A variceal banding endoscope includes an elongated shaft having a distal end and a proximal end that is removably connected to a control unit. The endoscope includes a variceal banding apparatus fixedly attached to the distal end of the endoscope and capable of receiving a plurality of ligation bands. A trigger cable extends from the proximal end to the distal end of the shaft and is digitally actuated by an actuator in the control unit or handle of the scope in response to a user input device.