[A modified oesophagoscope for sclerotherapy of bleeding oesophageal varices (author's transl)].

A flexible oesophagoscope with a wide angle optic, an inflatable balloon and a slit at the tip of the instrument has been developed to facilitate the sclerosing of bleeding oesophageal varices. While until today most investigators use a rigid oesophagoscope under general anaesthesia for a better view of the oesophagus and the possibility of compressing the varix to prevent rapid disappearance of the sclerosing fluid, with the new "Scleroscope" a general anaesthesia is not necessary any more. The wide angle optic allows good view of the operational field. The inflated balloon widens the lumen and prevents an intravascular deposit of sclerosing fluid from disappearing before the therapist wants it to leave the varix. The balloon can further be used to stop bleeding occuring from the injection canal. The slit at the tip of the instrument allows to hold the swollen varix and to inject it longitudinally with little danger of perforating the injection needle through the varix into the oesophageal tissue or mediastinum. By adding contrast medium to the sclerosing fluid the filling of the varices can be observed under x-ray control. This way intravascular sclerosing of varices of the fundus can be achieved. First experience with this new instrument is encouraging; its use should make the application of the rigid instrument unnecessary.