Glue injection
Glue injection, also known as tissue adhesive therapy, is another method used to treat bleeding varices in the esophagus or stomach. It is typically reserved for cases where band ligation may be difficult or ineffective. During the procedure, a special medical adhesive is injected directly into the bleeding varices via an endoscope. The adhesive solidifies upon contact with blood, effectively sealing off the varices and stopping the bleeding.
Glue injection is considered an alternative treatment option for variceal bleeding, particularly in patients with large or difficult-to-reach varices. It may also be used in combination with other therapies such as band ligation or balloon tamponade for optimal control of bleeding. Like variceal band ligation, glue injection carries certain risks and may require careful monitoring and follow-up care.
Treatment involves:
- Injection of medical adhesive directly into bleeding varices to seal them off and stop bleeding
- Prevention of recurrent bleeding by injecting additional adhesive as needed
- Monitoring for complications such as embolism or tissue damage