Effect of Lower Oesophageal Sphincter on Oesophageal Varices

Abstract

Portographic studies of six patients with cirrhosis of the liver and submucosal oesophageal varices showed that metoclopramide, which raises lower oesophageal sphincter pressure (LESP), decreased the flow to the varices in five, whereas butylscopolamine, which reduces LESP, increased the flow. These results support the hypothesis that pharmacological increase of LESP might be of value in the treatment of oesophageal varices.

Key-words:

• Lower oesophageal sphincter
• oesophageal varices
• aetiology
• drug therapy
• portography