Role of Sucralfate in Promoting Healing of Post Band Variceal Ulcer

Background: The role of Sucralfate to be slightly superior to placebo in accelerating the healing process of oesophageal ulcerations after sclerotherapy had been elicited. Currently, its role in the healing process of oesophageal ulcerations after ligation has not been clarified.Objectives: to assess the use of sucralfate after variceal band ligation and to clarify its role in healing of post variceal band ligation ulcers. Methods: Sixty two patients with oesophageal varices eligible for band ligation represented the population of the study. The patients were allocated into two groups: Group I (study group): Included 31 patients in whom endoscopic band ligation was done then received sucralfate 1 gm every 6 hours for 2 weeks. Group II (control group): Included 31 patients in whom endoscopic band ligation was done then received placebo every 6 hours for 2 weeks. Results: During the follow up endoscopy, 2 weeks after band ligation we observed that: All post-banding ulcers in both groups were superficial, 12 patients (38.7%) in the study group developed post-band ulcers versus 23 patients (74.2%) in the control group with a statistically significant difference (p-value, 0.005). Also, there was a statistically significant difference between both groups regarding the size of the post banding ulcers as the mean size of ulcers was 2.7 mm ± 1.2 in study group whereas it was 3.8mm ± 1.7 in control group with P value (0.043).Conclusion: Sucralfate has a significant role in decreasing the rate of occurrence of variceal post-banding ulcers and as well their size.Key words: Endoscopic variceal band ligation (EVL); Sucralfate; Clinical pharmac