Could a common ulcer drug prevent deadly bleeding after variceal treatment?

This trial tests whether applying sucralfate—a medication that forms a protective barrier over wounds—directly onto esophageal ulcers after variceal banding can speed healing and reduce rebleeding. The study includes adults with cirrhosis who have bleeding esophageal varices. Participants receive either standard care plus sucralfate (applied during endoscopy and taken orally for five days) or standard care alone. The goal is to see if sucralfate reduces ulcer size and prevents dangerous rebleeding.