OBJECTIVETo investigate the prevention of esophageal varices recurrence by laser inducing esophageal mucosal fibrosis.

METHODSOur study included 42 patients after esophageal varices eradicated by endoscopic varices ligation, and they were divided into 2 groups randomly, each group included 21 patients. One group was assigned to received laser treatment, and indocyanine green solution (1 mg/ml) was injected submucosally, a diode laser (power 10 watts) was applied to the surface from the esophagogastric junction to 5 cm above it. Another group was controlling without any treatments. All patient were followed up by endoscopy every 3 months until 12 months.

RESULTSLaser irradiation was performed safely without any major complications. And lower esophageal mucosa produced fibrosis widely after laser irradiated 1 month. After 12 months follow up, the cumulative recurrence rate was significantly lower than the control group, 14% (3/21) vs 43% (9/21) (chi(2) = 4.20, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSOur study indicates that laser inducing mucous fibrosis is safely and can prevent recurrence of esophageal varices.

Adult ; Esophageal and Gastric Varices ; pathology ; surgery ; Esophagoscopy ; Esophagus ; pathology ; Female ; Fibrosis ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Laser Coagulation ; methods ; Ligation ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Mucous Membrane ; pathology ; Secondary Prevention