In 27 variceal patients completely treated by ethanolamine oleate and polidocanol and followed for more than one year, the recurrence of varices was studied by measuring portal vein pressure and oxygen tension in the portal vein and peripheral arteries and veins before and after EIS. Frequent recurrence was observed in patients with increased PVP after EIS and lower or inverse PVO2-VO2 tension after EIS. The recurrence of varices after EIS may thus possibly be predicted based on portal vein pressure and PVO2-VO2 tension differences.