Endoscopic balloon tamponade for emergency control of bleeding esophageal varices using a new transparent tamponade tube.

The endoscopic tamponade method, using a new transparent balloon tube, has been developed for the emergency control of bleeding esophageal varices. The introduction of the tube is performed while observing the esophagus utlizing a fiberoptic endoscope, which is inserted within the lumen of the tube so that the accidental injury to the mucosa can be avoided. The accurate diagnosis of the cause of bleeding is possible so that the most suitable form of treatment can be initiated without delay. Hemostasis is achieved with minimum balloon pressure, and the examination of the varices may be repeated, whenever desired, so that damage to the esophageal mucosa can be avoided. Deflation of the balloons and termination of the tamponade can be selected and planned so that the recurrence of bleeding immediately after the removal of the tube can be avoided. This method has so far been used successfully without any complications in 5 patients.