Efficacy and safety analysis of ultrasound endoscopy-guided sclerotherapy of esophagogastric varices: A retrospective study

This study aimed to evaluate and compare the efficacy and safety of endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS)-guided sclerotherapy versus conventional endoscopic sclerotherapy for esophagogastric varices (EGV). A total of 80 patients treated between January 2021 and December 2024 were retrospectively enrolled. Patients were divided into a control group (n = 42, conventional endoscopic sclerotherapy) and an observation group (n = 38, EUS-guided sclerotherapy). Outcome measures included treatment time, hospital stay, readmission interval, improvement in Japanese Research Society for Portal Hypertension grading, postoperative complications, and quality of life as assessed by SF-36 scores. Baseline characteristics were compared using appropriate statistical methods. Baseline characteristics between the 2 groups showed no significant differences ( P > .05). The observation group had significantly shorter treatment times (42.12 ± 10.33 vs 50.75 ± 10.12 minutes, P = .001), longer readmission intervals ( P = .001), and greater improvements in Japanese Research Society for Portal Hypertension grading ( P = .043). Severe bleeding (grades III and IV) was less frequent in the observation group (13.16% vs 42.86%, P = .023). There were no significant differences in the rates of gastroesophageal ulcers, esophageal strictures, infections, or portal vein thrombosis ( P > .05). Postoperative SF-36 scores in role-physical, bodily pain, and general health domains were significantly higher in the observation group ( P < .05). EUS-guided sclerotherapy for EGV offers several advantages, including reduced treatment time, improved variceal regression, extended readmission intervals, fewer severe complications, and enhanced postoperative quality of life. These findings suggest its promising clinical value and potential for broader clinical application.