The Saeed Six-Shooter: a prospective study of a new endoscopic multiple rubber-band ligator for the treatment of varices.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Rubber-band ligation is superior to sclerotherapy, and is considered to be the endoscopic treatment of choice for bleeding varices. The single-shot mechanism of the ligation device generally used is inherently inefficient, and makes the procedure tedious. It also requires overtube placement, associated with discomfort and complications. This study describes the Saeed Six-Shooter, a multiple ligation device.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-seven consecutive patients with variceal bleeding were prospectively studied. After initial endoscopic ligation, subsequent sessions were every 7-10 days. The parameters studied were the ease of use, the ability to control active bleeding and eradicate varices, survival, and complications.

RESULTS: Active bleeding was controlled in all seven (100%) patients. Esophageal varices were eradicated in 70% (3.2 +/- 1.2 sessions), and gastric varices in 88% of patients (2 +/- 1.2 sessions). Five patients re-bled, two from esophageal varices, two from gastric varices, and one from treatment-induced ulcer. There were four deaths, none due to exsanguination. A single complication, esophageal stricture, resolved with balloon dilation. Intubation was no more difficult with the endoscope loaded with the Six-Shooter than with the endoscope alone (P > 0.3). Six ligations were performed in 39% of cases within 60 seconds, and in 74% of cases within 90 seconds. For gastric varices, the device was effectively used with the endoscope retroflexed.

CONCLUSIONS: The Saeed Six-Shooter is a safe and efficient instrument for the endoscopic ligation of varices, and has overcome the limitations of the single-shot ligator.