[The use of the Sengstaken-Blakemore tube for immediate control of bleeding esophageal varices (author's transl)].

A series of 34 applications of the Sengstaken-Blakemore tube to control bleeding from esophageal varices in 23 patients is described. The tube has been an effective method of emergency control of bleeding. Considerable attention has therefore been given to this methods because the operative mortality is substantially reduced if the procedure is performed electively after massive hemorrhage is controlled and blood volume has been replaced. This interval also allows for assessment and correction of liver function, fluid and electrolyte balance and coagulation mechanism. The most common serious complications are reported.