Oesophageal variceal banding

Before Your Surgery

• This procedure is often performed urgently. Authorization will be arranged by the rooms or hospital staff where applicable.

• Fasting:

• No solid food for 6 hours before the procedure

• No clear liquids for 2 hours before the procedure
  (In emergencies, the procedure may proceed despite incomplete fasting.)

• Inform your doctor if you are taking blood-thinning medication.

• Diabetic medication instructions will be discussed in advance.

Day of Surgery

Oesophageal variceal banding is performed under sedation. You will be monitored closely during the procedure and in recovery. In emergency cases, additional supportive treatment may be required.

Procedure

The procedure is performed during a gastroscopy.

• A flexible endoscope is passed through the mouth into the oesophagus.

• Enlarged veins (varices) are identified.

• Small rubber bands are applied to the varices using a banding device attached to the scope.

• Multiple bands may be placed during the same procedure.

• The banded veins shrink and fall off over time, reducing bleeding risk.

Banding may be done as an emergency (active bleeding) or as planned prevention.

Procedure Length

The procedure usually takes 15–30 minutes.

Possible Complications

• Chest discomfort or pain (common and usually temporary)

• Ulceration at banding sites

• Bleeding (early or delayed)

• Difficulty swallowing for a short period

• Infection (rare)

• Perforation (very rare)

• Reaction to sedation

• Unintended damage to surrounding structures

• Seek urgent medical attention if you experience severe chest pain, vomiting blood, black stools, fever, or difficulty swallowing after the procedure.

Duration of Hospital Stay

• Emergency banding: hospital admission is usually required

• Planned banding: some patients may be discharged the same day, depending on clinical stability