Preventing Recurrent Bleeding After Eradication of Esophageal Varices

Inclusion Criteria: * Age of 20 to 80 years * Cirrhotic patients with acute or recent esophageal variceal bleeding proven by an endoscopy * Stable hemodynamic condition for at least 3 days after banding ligation Exclusion Criteria: * Hepatocellular carcinoma or other malignancy * Stroke or active sepsis * Chronic kidney disease under renal replacement therapy * Contraindications to non-selective beta-blockers * A history of non-selective beta-blockers use, sclerotherapy, banding ligation, transjugular intrahepatic porto-systemic shunt, or shunt surgery * Serum total bilirubin \>10 mg/dL * Grade III/IV hepatic encephalopathy * Refractory ascites * Hepato-renal syndrome * Pregnancy * Severe heart failure (NYHA Fc III/IV) * Bronchial asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease * Second or third degree atrioventricular block * Sick sinus syndrome * Pacemaker use * Severe hypotension * Refusal to participate