Oesophageal banding
during gastroscopy
This information is to be read in conjunction with the
gastroscopy patient information sheet
What is oesophageal banding?
Banding is the placing of small rubber bands onto enlarged (dilated) veins in the gullet.
What happens during the procedure?
You will have an endoscopy (gastroscopy) and then the endoscope will be taken out. A special
cap with rubber bands on will then be placed on the end of the endoscope and the endoscope
put back down into your gullet. Dilated veins at the bottom of your gullet will then be sucked up
into the cap and rubber bands released. This causes the dilated vein to clot and then scar.
This procedure will only be carried out with your consent and you will be asked to sign a
consent form.
What are the benefits of oesophageal banding?
The dilated veins will be destroyed (although repeat treatments may be necessary) and this
may prevent future bleeding from these veins.
What are the risks, consequences and alternatives associated with this
procedure?
Most procedures are straightforward, however as with any procedure there is a small chance of
side-effects or complications.
Oesophageal banding can be painful and you may notice discomfort when you swallow for a
few days following the procedure.
The risk of bleeding is small, but occurs in about 1 in 20 patients. Bleeding can occur
immediately after the procedure or up to 2 weeks after the procedure because an ulcer has
formed where the rubber band was put on.
If you are concerned about any of these risks, or have any further queries, please speak to your
consultant.
Your consultant has recommended this procedure as being the best option. However, the
alternative to this procedure is having the veins injected. There is also the option of not
receiving any treatment at all. The consequences of not receiving any treatment are that the
veins may bleed which can be life threatening. If you would like more information please speak
to your consultant or one of the nurses caring for you.
Important information following the procedure
If it is painful to swallow, take a mild painkiller such as Paracetamol - follow the manufacturer’s
instructions and do not exceed the stated dose.
You must contact us if you have any of the following symptoms up to 2 weeks following the
procedure.
•
Vomit any blood, or dark brown fluid
•
Pass black tarry stools
•
Severe pain in your chest or stomach
Returning to normal activities
You can return to your usual activities after 24 hours.
References
SHAHEEN, NJ., STUART, E., SCHMITZ, SM., MITCHELL, KL., FRIED, MW., ZACKS, S., RUSSO, MW.,
GALANKO, J., SHRESTHA, R., 2005. Pantoprazole reduces the size of postbanding ulcers after variceal band
ligation: a randomized, controlled trial. Hepatology, Mar; 41 (3): 588-94
TRIANTOS, C., VLACHOGIANNAKOS, J., ARMONIS, A., SAVERIADIS, A., KOUGIOUMTZIAN, A., LEANDRO,
G., MANOLAKOPOULOS, S., TZOURMAKLIOTIS, D., RAPTIS, SA., BURROUGHS, AK., AVGERINOS, A., 2005.
Primary prophylaxis of variceal bleeding in cirrhotics unable to take beta-blockers: a randomized trial of ligation.
Aliment Pharmacol Ther. Jun 15; 21 (12): 1435-43
If you have any queries, or require further information
please contact the Endoscopy Unit on 01332 785285 or for
booking/appointment queries on 01332 785019.
Reference Code: P1415/1386/01.2014/VERSION3
© Copyright 2014 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means without prior
permission in writing from the Patient Information Service, Derby Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. (P0535/12.2009/V2)