[Treatment of esophageal varices in children by sclerotherapy].

The treatment of portal hypertension in children by portosystemic shunt or Vosschulte dissection-ligature is not definitive. Recurrent oesophageal varices or high gastrointestinal bleeding occur on a medium-term and long-term basis. We are investigating endoscopic sclerotherapy as a therapeutic alternative. The aim of this prospective study is to analyse the treatment and follow-up of 7 children with prehepatic portal hypertension who have undergone sclerotherapy, using a flexible endoscope. The first results at short-term and medium-term follow-up are encouraging. The authors discuss the technique, complications and emergency use of sclerotherapy.