Percutaneous transhepatic obliteration of gastroesophageal varices using absolute alcohol.

Abstract

Eleven patients underwent percutaneous transhepatic portography and esophageal variceal sclerosis. Absolute alcohol was used. Only 2 patients rebled in the follow-up period; both individuals died. Two additional patients died without further bleeding. The remaining 7 patients survived from 13-19 mo. without rebleeding. Absolute alcohol is useful as a sclerosing agent for varices and may produce a more permanent and distal occlusion of gastroesophageal varices.