EVL

Medical abbreviation · Gastroenterology

EVL
Stands forEndoscopic variceal ligation
CategoriesMedical

EVL stands for Endoscopic variceal ligation, a gastroenterology abbreviation.

Endoscopic treatment in which rubber bands are placed around esophageal varices to cut off their blood supply, used both to stop acute variceal bleeding and to prevent bleeding. Sessions repeat every two to four weeks until the varices are eradicated.

Example: Large esophageal varices with red wale signs; EVL performed with six bands, repeat in three weeks.

Usage notes

Often called banding. EVL replaced sclerotherapy as first-line treatment because it causes fewer complications such as ulcers and strictures. Nonselective beta-blockers such as carvedilol are an alternative or companion for primary prevention. Post-banding ulcers can occasionally bleed a week or two after the procedure.

More gastroenterology abbreviations

  • EMR – Endoscopic mucosal resection
  • EoE – Eosinophilic esophagitis
  • EPI – Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency
  • ERCP – Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography
  • ESD – Endoscopic submucosal dissection
  • EUS – Endoscopic ultrasound
  • FAP – Familial adenomatous polyposis
  • FD – Functional dyspepsia
  • FIT – Fecal immunochemical test
  • FMT – Fecal microbiota transplantation
  • FOBT – Fecal occult blood test
  • GAVE – Gastric antral vascular ectasia

See all 85 gastroenterology abbreviations →

This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.