[ effect of omeprazole on the number and size of after-endoscopic band ligation ulcers of esophageal varices]

Endoscopic variceal ligation [EVL] is an effective option in treatment of esophageal varices bleeding or elective ablation. Although the after-EVL ulceration is well recognised, the effect of acid suppression on ulcer healing is not determined, definitely. In this study, we tried to evaluate the efficacy of Omeprazole as the most available protone pomp inhibitor [PPI] on the numbers and size of after-EVL esophageal ulcers in patients electively underwent this procedure. We performed a randomised placebo-controled trial of Omeprazol after elective EVL. Fifty consecutive cirrhotic patients who were cadidated for EVL randomly enrolleded in and were divided equally into case [25] and control [25] groups. After endoscopy and EVL, case subjects received Omeprazole [20 mg twice a day] for 2 weeks and control subjects received placebo for the same period as well. All the patients underwent a follow up endoscopy 13-15 days after EVL. Forty two patients [20 cases and 22 controls] completed the study. Numbers and size of ulcers were evaluated throughin the follow up endoscopy. Numbers of ulcers were significantly higher in control group [3.15 vs. 2.59, p=0.03]. The ulcers in Omeprazole group were on average half as large as in the placebo group [37.08 mm[2] vs.73.74 mm[2], p<0.0001]. After elective EVL, Omeprazol-treated Patients experienced a significant reduction in number and size of their post-banding ulcers. It seems that Omeprazole reduces the numbers and size of after-EVL ulcers