Indications

Failure to control variceal bleeding endoscopically (endoscopy is first-line management for patients with variceal bleeding. Senstaken-Blakemore tubes can be inserted at the same time as endoscopy under direct vision).

Contraindications

If the patient has a reduced conscious level (grade 2 encephalopathy or more), endotracheal intubation should be done by an anaesthetist before insertion of the tube to prevent misplacement of the tube in the trachea or inhalation of blood.

Potential complications

Inhalation of blood and secretions causing respiratory failure/pneumonia

Placement of tube in trachea causing respiratory failure

Oesophageal rupture due to inflation of gastric balloon in the oesophagus

Mucosal ulceration after placement of balloon