Vascular Plug-Assisted Retrograde Transvenous Obliteration for the Management of Gastric Varices: Comparative Effectiveness between Gelatin Sponge Embolization and Permanent Sclerosant

Abstract

Purpose To evaluate the short-term outcome of plug-assisted retrograde transvenous obliteration (PARTO) using vascular plugs and gelatin sponges in comparison with balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (BRTO) for the management of gastric varices. Materials and Methods From January 2005 to October 2014, 171 patients were referred for management of gastric varices, of which, 52 patients with hemodynamically stable gastric varices (48 recent bleeding; 4 primary prophylaxes) were evaluated. Of these, 38 received BRTO (men/women 23/15; mean age 61.3; Child-Pugh classes A/B/C = 11/25/2) and 14 underwent PARTO (men/women 11/3; mean age 63.4; Child-Pugh classes A/B/C = 9/4/1). The technical success rate, complications, variceal changes, liver function, and exacerbation of ascites/pleural effusion were compared between the 2 groups within 3 months after the procedure. Results The technical success rates were 92.1% in the BRTO and 100% in the PARTO group. Procedure-related early complications occurred in the BRTO group alone (8%, n = 3). Among patients with technical success, follow-up CT at 1 month was available for 98% (n = 48/49). Complete thrombosis of gastric varices was achieved in 97.1% in the BRTO and 100% in the PARTO group. Worsening of esophageal varices was observed in 24% of the BRTO group alone (n = 8). The albumin level increased significantly in both groups and aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase level improved significantly in the PARTO group (p 0.05). Conclusion PARTO appears to be equivalent to BRTO for short-term management of gastric varices.

Keywords

• gelatin sponges
• absorbable
• esophageal and gastric varices
• balloon occlusion
• gastrointestinal hemorrhage