Carvedilol Versus Endoscopic Band Ligation for Primary Prophylaxis of Oesophageal Variceal Bleeding

This study compares two standard approaches for preventing bleeding from enlarged veins in the esophagus (esophageal varices) in people with liver cirrhosis and high blood pressure — using a beta-blocker drug (carvedilol) versus a procedure to band (tie off) the veins through an endoscope. **You may be eligible if...** - You are over 18 years old - You have liver cirrhosis and also have high blood pressure (arterial hypertension) - An endoscopy has shown you have medium or large esophageal varices (swollen veins in the food pipe) **You may NOT be eligible if...** - You have previously bled from esophageal varices - You have a clot in your portal vein or have had a shunt procedure (like TIPS) - You are already taking medications that affect portal pressure (such as beta-blockers or nitrates) - You have kidney failure or certain heart conditions that prevent use of carvedilol Talk to your doctor to see if this trial is right for you.