Aim: Esophageal varices (EV) recurs frequently after endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) or endoscopic injection sclerotherapy (EIS). We retrospectively investigated risk factors for early recurrence of EV after endoscopic treatment. Methods: We treated 110 patients with EV, who had no past history of EV, at Ehime Prefectural Central Hospital from October 2005 to June 2008. Of those, 78 (71%) were observed for at least 2 months after treatment and enrolled. We divided them into rupture cases at initial endoscopic treatment [(bleeding group; n=25 (32%)], and cases with preventive EVL or EIS performed [preventive group; n=53 (68%)]. All received periodic upper endoscopy examinations to confirm recurrence or no recurrence of EV. Results: Recurrence of EV occurred in 18 of all subjects and the average period after treatment was 6.5±3.0 months. The recurrence rate was significantly higher in the bleeding group (11/25) as compared to the preventive group (7/53) (P=0.0026). There was a significant relationship between recurrence of EV and hepatic reserve function (Child-Pugh A+B, C; 11/64, 7/14 respectively; P=0.0083). In logistic multi-variant analysis, EV rupture at initial treatment and Child-Pugh C were risk factors for recurrence. In contrast, age, sex, hepatocellular carcinoma, portal tumor thrombosis, continuous alcohol consumption, therapeutic modality (EVL or EIS), number of treatment sessions, and operator experience did not have a significant relationship with recurrence. Conclusion: In cases with EV rupture at initial treatment or Child-Pugh C, the risk for early recurrence must be considered and patients carefully observed in follow-up examinations.