The EBL procedures will be performed using standard technique with a multiband ligation device. Elastic bands will be placed according to physician decision, starting at esophagogastric junction. Endoscopic band ligation sessions will be repeated at intervals of 3 to 4 weeks until all varices were obliterated. The initial propranolol dose will be orally BID 40 mg, irrespective of patient's weight. The objective of the administration of propranolol will be induce beta-adrenergic blockade evaluated by reduction in heart rate to 55 bpm or a 25% drop in baseline heart rate. A baseline electrocardiogram will be obtained from all patients. The doses will be adjusted during weekly visits until beta-adrenergic blockade. After the adequate dose will be reached, the visits will be scheduled monthly during the first 3 months (until EV eradication) and then at a 3-month interval until the end of follow-up.

The procedures will be performed using standard technique with a multiband ligation device. Elastic bands will be placed according to physician decision, starting at esophagogastric junction. All varices will be treated during the same session. Endoscopic band ligation sessions will be repeated at intervals of 3 to 4 weeks until all varices will be obliterated.

The procedures will be performed using standard technique with a multiband ligation device. Elastic bands will be placed according to physician decision, starting at esophagogastric junction. All varices will be treated during the same session. Endoscopic band ligation sessions will be repeated at intervals of 3 to 4 weeks until all varices will be obliterated.

Esophageal varices recurrence will be defined as the reappearance of uninterrupted EV of any caliber, with or without red color signs in patients in which varices had been eradicated.

Esophageal varices eradication will be defined as absence of varices in the lower third of the esophagus Bleeding before EV eradication will be defined as any upper GI bleeding before EV obliteration. Bleeding will be considered from unknown origin when it will not possible to perform upper GI endoscopy in the first 48 hours after the bleeding episode; Mortality rate related to treatment will be defined as all cases of death resulting from bleeding due to EV, post-EBL ulceration, gastric varices, portal hypertensive gastropathy or any complication of treatment. Mortality rate non-related to treatment will be defined as death due to other causes; EBL complications will be divided in major (stenosis or esophageal perforation and bleeding due to post-EBL ulceration) and minor (chest pain, dysphagia, transient fever and esophageal ulceration with no bleeding postponing the subsequent treatment session).