내시경적 식도정맥류 결찰요법의 식도하부 운동과 식도내 pH에 대한 영향

Background/Aims: A recently developed method that uses sma11 rubber bands for treating bleeding varices, endoscopic variceal ligation(EVL), may affect the lower esophageal motility. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of EVL on esophageal motility and gastroesophageal reflux. Methods: We prospectively performed lower esophageal manometry and 24-hour ambulatory esophageal pH monitoring before and after EVL therapy in 34 patients with esophageal varices. Results: The EVL caused considerable decrease in the size of esophageal varix by mean 7.8(range 3 21) ligations in mean 1.5(range l -3) sessions. There were no significant changes in the length, pressure, relaxation percent and duration of the lower esophageal sphincter(LES), in the speed of peristaltic wave in the lower esophagus and all pH parameters after EVL. Conclusions: Endoscopic variceal ligation therapy may cause little motility dysfunction in thc lower esophagus, even though there were significant differences in the contraction amplitude and duration in the lower esophagus after EVL. (Korean J Gastroenterol 1995;27: 151 - 158)