Glue injection, also known as endoscopic cyanoacrylate injection, is a medical procedure used primarily to treat gastric varices, which are enlarged veins in the stomach that can bleed, commonly associated with conditions such as liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension. During the procedure, an endoscope, a flexible tube with a camera and light, is inserted through the mouth and guided into the stomach. Once the varices are identified, a medical adhesive (typically a type of cyanoacrylate glue) is injected directly into the varices using a specialized needle passed through the endoscope. The glue rapidly hardens upon contact with blood, effectively sealing the varices and stopping or preventing bleeding.

This procedure is particularly valuable for gastric varices, which are less accessible and more challenging to treat with band ligation. Glue injection is known for its high success rate in controlling acute bleeding and reducing the risk of rebleeding. It is usually performed under sedation to ensure patient comfort. While generally safe, the procedure does carry some risks, such as embolism, where the glue could inadvertently enter the bloodstream and travel to other parts of the body. Follow-up endoscopies are often required to assess the effectiveness of the treatment and to monitor for any recurrence of the varices.