The aim of the present study was to determine the usefulness of elastic band ligation in the prevention of hemorrhage recurrence by esophageal varices. Forty-five patients without known hepatocarcinoma who had survived a hemorrhagic variceal episode were included in the study. Seventeen patients (38%) were Child-Pugh A, 22 (49%) B, and 6 (13%) C, with the hepatitis C virus and alcohol being the etiology of cirrosis in 55 and 20% of the cases, respectively. The first ligation session was performed between the third and fifth days after the hemorrhagic episode and the posterior sessions were carried out at intervals of 2-4 weeks. The ligation sessions were performed without antibiotic prophylaxis and with placement of an overtube. A mean of 4 +/- 2 bands were placed per session (range, 1-8) and the mean number of sessions required per patient to achieve erradication of the varices was 3.5 +/- 1.5 (range, 2-8). The rate of bleeding recurrence was 17.7% (9 episodes, five by variceal rupture and four by ulcer secondary to ligation). All the episodes of bleeding recurrence occurred between the sessions, with the mortality being 11% (5/45 patients). In the 40 remaining patients the varices were erradicated although 19 (47.5%) required one or two additional sessions of sclerotherapy. The accumulated percentage of patients free of bleeding recurrence was 82% during a mean follow-up of 10.2 +/- 6.7 months. Ten lesions of dislaceration of the esophageal mucosa caused by placement of the were observed overtube. In conclusion, endoscopic elastic band ligation is a useful technique for the erradication of esophageal varices an in the prevention of bleeding recurrence.