SUMMARYBackground: The treatment effects of primary prophylactic endoscopic variceal ligation are unclear. Aim: To compare the treatment effects of endoscopic variceal ligation and b-blockers for primary prophylaxis of oesophageal variceal bleeding. In addition, a subgroup analysis was done with the purpose to delineate differences in the effects of intervention that were biologically based. Methods: We performed a literature search for randomized controlled trials, which compared the treatment effects of endoscopic variceal ligation with b-blockers for primary prophylaxis of oesophageal variceal bleeding. Of the 955 articles screened, eight randomized-controlled trials including 596 subjects (285 with endoscopic variceal ligation and 311 with b-blockers) were analysed. Outcomes measures evaluated were first gastrointestinal bleed, first variceal bleed, all-cause deaths, bleed-related deaths and severe adverse events. The measure of association employed was relative risk; with heterogeneity and sensitivity analyses. Results: Variceal obliteration was obtained in 261 (91.6%) patients and target b-blockers therapy was achieved in 294 (94.5%) patients (P ¼ 0.19). Endoscopic variceal ligation compared with b-blockers

FMT was a highly successful and very acceptable treatment modality for treating both community- and hospital-acquired CDI.

ES shows risk reduction in prevention of PEP in patients undergoing endoscopic stenting for bile leak. However, placement of biliary stent without ES is not associated with an increased risk of PEP in patients with distal bile duct obstruction with involvement of pancreatic duct.

A higher BMI is strongly associated with progressively shorter CIT.

FMT is a safe and effective treatment option for CDI. Shorter duration of symptoms (< 60 days) before administering FMT is associated with treatment failure.