Complete esophageal obstruction following endoscopic variceal ligation

Complete esophageal obstruction has been described in the literature only once before. In this case report, we present the second such case. Immediate complaints of dysphagia after banding - along with the presence of sial-orrhea or the inability to tolerate liquids - should suggest the possibility of obstruction. Obstruction can be documented by a contrast swallow study. If the patient has not eaten recently (ie, there is no chance of a food impaction), we do not recommend performing a repeat endoscopy, as it could dislodge a band and cause bleeding. Conservative measures such as intravenous fluids and parenteral nutrition may be needed. With time, the varix should slough, and dysphagia should be relieved.