ABSTRACT
Objective To evaluate the efficacy of a new endoscopic suturing device(OverStitchTM, Apollo Endosurgery, USA)for gastrointestinal wall defect after endoscopic full?thickness resection (EFTR). Methods Clinical data of the patients with submucosal tumors who underwent endoscopic suturing closure of gastrointestinal wall defect at the Endoscopy Center of Zhongshan Hospital from April 2015 to June 2015 were retrospectively analyzed. Results Five patients were included in this research with 4 lesions located in stom?ach and 1 lesion located in descendent duodenum. The mean diameter of lesions was 3?? 2 cm (ranging 2?? 0?5?? 0 cm). All patients underwent complete closure and none of them was converted to laparoscopic surgery or laparotomy. The mean repairing time was 16?? 6 min (ranging 11?? 0?22?? 0 min). The mean postoperative hospi?talization time was 5 days ( ranging 4?6 d). Two patients complained about slight abdominal pain and elevated body temperature. CT showed minor pleural effusion in one case. These patients received antibiotics, were on gastrointestinal decompression and asked to maintain the semi?supine position and discharged after 3 to 4 days. Conclusion Endoscopic suturing closure of gastrointestinal wall defect with the OverStitchTM en?doscopic suturing device is technically fast, feasible and safe.