Esophageal necrosis and obstruction after esophageal variceal banding

Abstract

A 78-year-old woman with a history of liver cirrhosis related to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis presented to the hospital with abdominal pain and distention. She was diagnosed with abdominal ascites and underwent paracentesis without evidence of infection. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy identified Grade 2 esophageal varices that were treated with band ligature. The patient developed dysphagia and was found to have esophageal necrosis and complete esophageal obstruction related to variceal banding. She was treated with removal of band ligatures and esophageal dilation, resulting in improved symptoms. Esophageal obstruction is a rare but important complication of variceal banding, which may occur within 24 hours of the procedure.