The value of band ligation for prevention of the first episode of variceal bleeding has not been fully evaluated. This study compared the efficacy and safety of band ligation vs. treatment with a beta-blocker for the prophylactic prevention of first bleeding in patients with cirrhosis and high-risk esophageal varices.
Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China.