Variceal band ligation Endoscopy will be performed ever two weeks until eradication of oesophageal varices. Eradication is achieved when no varices or only grade I varices (varices which are small and flatten on air insufflations in the oesophagus) are present. Subsequent endoscopy sessions will be progressively less frequent, at intervals of 3 months, 6 months and 12 months thereafter. Should varices recur, the protocol for eradication as described above will be re-instituted.