A rapid and relatively safer method of sclerosing esophageal varices utilizing a new transparent tube.

Over a 20 month period, 348 injection sclerotherapy treatments were performed using the new transparent tube. There was no occurrence of pulmonary complications or esophageal injury. Our experience with both the free-hand and the new tube techniques revealed that the latter provides an easier, safer, and more rapid method of sclerosing esophageal varices. The patients can swallow the new tube with no difficulty after administration of topical anesthesia and light sedation.