Effects of Endoscopic Variceal Ligation on Oxygen Transport and the Arterial Lactate Levels in Patients With Cirrhosis

Abstract

We found a significant decrease in the oxygen delivery in patients undergoing an endoscopic variceal ligation. Such deteriorated tissue oxygenation may be serious especially in patients with a low oxygen transport ability such as in patients with variceal hemorrhage with anemia. However, the clinical significance of these changes remains unclear and further studies are therefore warranted.

liver dysfunction after endoscopic esophageal variceal ligation: A case report and literature review

“…As early as 1996, reports emerged highlighting a related phenomenon wherein EVL surgery may exacerbate liver tissue ischemia and hypoxia. This study observed a decrease in cardiac output and oxygen delivery immediately after EVL surgery, although the underlying causes and implications were not fully understood at the time [18] . This hypoxic condition is particularly pronounced in patients with varicose veins and anemia.…”