Transabdominal gastroesophageal devascularization with versus without esophageal stapler transection in the control of variceal bleeding in cirrhotic patients

Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the efficacy and safety of adding esophageal transection to the devascularization operation in controlling variceal bleeding. Patients and methods: A total of 115 patients with acute variceal bleeding who finally needed surgery were included in this study. They were divided into two groups: group I included 32 patients who underwent transabdominal gastroesophageal devascularization and esophageal transection and group II included 83 patients who underwent transabdominal gastroesophageal devascularization only. Survivors were followed up for at least 3 years by endoscopy to check for recurrence of esophageal varices. Results: The incidence of early bleeding, residual varices, and recurrent varices was significantly lower in group I than in group II and there was no statistically significant difference in both early and late morbidity and mortality between the two groups. Conclusion: Esophageal stapling is a safe and effective procedure for both short-term and long-term control of bleeding varices.