Retrospective study of 189 cases of acute perforated peptic ulcer: safety and efficacy of over-the-scope-clip based endoscopic closure.

BACKGROUND: To compare the clinical outcomes in patients with acute perforated peptic ulcer (PPU) treated with over-the-scope clip (OTSC), non-surgical, and surgical interventions, and to explore the effectiveness and safety of OTSC closure. METHODS: Hospital stay, antibiotic use, diet resumption time, and mortality rate were analyzed retrospectively. Binary Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the risk factors influencing PPU complicated with sepsis. RESULTS: Patients were divided into three treatment groups: OTSC (n = 62), non-surgical (n = 72), and surgical (n = 55) groups. The median time (IQR) from symptom onset to admission was 9.0 (4-23) h. 88.71% (55/62) of the patients in In the OTSC group underwent OTSC closure within 24 h (median [IQR] time: 14.5 [7.00-30.25] h). The perforation diameters in the OTSC and surgical groups were 9.87 mm ± 5.97 mm and 8.55 mm ± 6.17 mm, respectively. The median (IQR) hospital stays in the OTSC (9.50 [7.00-12.25] days) and non-surgical group (9.00[7.00-13.00]days) were similar (p > 0.05), but shorter than that in surgical group (12.00[10.00-16.00]days), (p < 0.05). The median duration of antibiotic use was shorter in the OTSC group (7.00[3.00-10.00]) than in the non-surgical group (9.00[7.00-11.00]) and surgical group (11.00[9.00-13.00]) ( p < 0.05); and the time to resume oral feeding was shorter in the OTSC group (4.00[2.00-5.25]) than in the non-surgical group (7.00[6.13-9.00]) and surgical group (8.00[6.53-10.00]), respectively ( p < 0.05). No mortality difference among groups (p = 0.109) was found. Lower albumin level at admission, older age, and elevated creatinine levels were associated with increased sepsis risk, with OR(95%CI) of 0.826 (0.687-0.993), 1.077 (1.005-1.154), and 1.025 (1.006-1.043), respectively (all p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: OTSC closure improves clinical outcomes of acute PPU patients without sepsis. Age, hypoalbuminemia, and baseline renal dysfunction increase the risk of sepsis, while mortality was associated with sepsis and multiorgan dysfunction.

Endoscopic Visualization of the Embolization Coil With Subsequent Endoscopic Therapy: A Case Report.

Severe gastrointestinal bleeding is a common presentation to the emergency department. In such settings, trans-arterial embolization (TAE) may be conducted to address the bleeding. However, in some circumstances, this treatment may fail. Over-the-scope clips (OTSCs) have also shown efficacy when the first-line treatment is unsuccessful, and in this case report, we describe what we believe is the first reported application of OTSCs after TAE with partial coil migration. The patient had initially arrived at the emergency department with severe gastrointestinal bleeding, and despite the usage of inotropes and TAE, the patient had developed severe rebleeding. She ultimately recovered well after the utilization of OTSCs. This case report highlights that this form of management may be a valuable endoscopic therapy in preventing further coil migration for patients with emergency gastrointestinal bleeding.

Endoscopic closure techniques of bariatric surgery complications: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Leaks following bariatric surgery, while rare, are potentially fatal due to risk of peritonitis and sepsis. Anastomotic leaks and gastro-gastric fistulae following Roux-En-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) as well as staple line leaks after sleeve gastrectomy have historically been treated multimodally with surgical drainage, aggressive antibiotic therapy, and more recently, endoscopically. Endoscopic clipping using over-the-scope clips and endoscopic suturing are two of the most common approaches used to achieve full thickness closure. METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed in PubMed to identify articles on the use of endoscopic clipping or suturing for the treatment of leaks and fistulae following bariatric surgery. Studies focusing on stents, and those that incorporated multiple closure techniques simultaneously, were excluded. Literature review and meta-analysis were performed with the PRISMA guidelines. RESULTS: Five studies with 61 patients that underwent over-the-scope clip (OTSC) closure were included. The pooled proportion of successful closure across the studies was 81.1% (95% CI 67.3 to 91.7). The successful closure rates were homogeneous (I2 = 39%, p = 0.15). Three studies with 92 patients that underwent endoscopic suturing were included. The weighted pooled proportion of successful closure across the studies was shown to be 22.4% (95% CI 14.6 to 31.3). The successful closure rates were homogeneous (I2 = 0%, p = 0.44). Three of the studies, totaling 34 patients, examining OTSC deployment reported data for reintervention rate. The weighted pooled proportion of reintervention across the studies was 35.0% (95% CI 11.7 to 64.7). We noticed statistically significant heterogeneity (I2 = 68%, p = 0.04). One study, with 20 patients examining endoscopic suturing, reported rate of repeat intervention 60%. CONCLUSION: Observational reports show that patients managed with OTSC were more likely to experience healing of their defect than those managed with endoscopic suturing. Larger controlled studies comparing different closure devices for bariatric leaks should be carried out to better understand the ideal endoscopic approach to these complications.

Damage Control Surgery for Duodenal Ulcer Bleeding With Massive Hematoma and Perforation Due to Over-the-Scope Clip (OTSC).

Due to the advances in endoscopic technology, surgery for duodenal ulcer (DU) bleeding has decreased, although surgery is still necessary for more complicated cases. The concept of damage control surgery (DCS) has been established in the field of trauma, and a simple surgical approach may be preferable in serious cases such as uncontrolled DU bleeding. We present a successful case of bleeding with massive hematoma and perforation of the duodenum due to an over-the-scope clip that was treated by a less invasive surgical approach with consideration of the DCS.

Endoscopic Diagnosis, Grading, and Treatment of Bleeding Peptic Ulcer Disease.

Peptic ulcer bleeding is a major cause for hospital admissions and has a significant mortality. Endoscopic interventions reduce the risk of rebleeding in high-risk patients and several options are available including injection therapies, thermal therapies, mechanical clips, hemostatic sprays, and endoscopic suturing. Proton-pump inhibitors and Helicobacter pylori treatment are important adjuncts to endoscopic therapy. Endoscopic therapy is indicated in Forrest 1a, 1b, and 2a lesions. Patients with Forrest 2b lesions may do well with proton-pump inhibitor therapy alone but can also be managed by removal of the clot and targeting endoscopic therapy to the underlying lesion.

Use of Over-the-Scope Clips in the Management of Refractory Postbanding Ulcer Bleed in a Patient After Liver Transplant.

Postbanding ulcer bleeds (PBUBs) are an uncommon complication of variceal band ligation. They are often treated with proton pump inhibitors in addition to endoscopic interventions such as epinephrine injections, hemostatic clips, electrothermal cautery, or further band ligation. Over-the-scope clips are being increasingly used for the management of acute nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeds, but their use in the management of PBUBs has been reported only once before. We present a 24-year-old man with alcohol-associated decompensated cirrhosis with recurrent PBUB, despite multiple endoscopic interventions, transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt, and liver transplant, treated successfully with an Ovesco clip.

Management of aero-digestive fistulas: the gastroenterologist's perspective, a narrative review.

Background and Objective: Esophagorespiratory fistulas (ERFs) are pathologic communications between the esophagus and respiratory tract that may be congenital or acquired, and benign or malignant. ERFs can lead to significant respiratory compromise and increased mortality through recurrent respiratory infections. As the condition spans multiple organ systems, ERFs pose unique diagnostic and management challenges to pulmonologists, gastroenterologists, and thoracic surgeons. The aim of this manuscript is to provide an up-to-date review of the management of aero-digestive fistulas from the gastroenterologist's perspective. Methods: Relevant studies regarding the management of ERFs through August 2022 were identified and data was extracted based on the relevance to the topic of the manuscript. Key Content and Findings: Endoscopy has a pivotal role in the management of these patients. Multiple endoscopic options are currently available that involve either closure, covering, or draining techniques. Studies evaluating strategies for the management of ERFs are limited to small retrospective studies while head-to-head studies comparing different endoscopic options are lacking. Therefore, a standardized evidence-based algorithm for the management of this challenging pathology is not available. Selection of the management strategy depends on operator preference, location and size of the fistula, viability of the surrounding tissue, and patient's comorbidities. Conclusions: Successful management of ERFs requires a tailored and multidisciplinary approach including surgery, pulmonology, gastroenterology, and oncology. Future studies comparing the effectiveness of different endoscopic strategies for the management of ERFs could help standardize management and potentially improve patient outcomes.

Closure of a perforated endoscopic submucosal dissection eschar using three over-the-scope clips / Cierre de un perforado submucosa endoscópica disección de escara usando tres clips sobre el alcance

We report the use of three partially overlapping over-the-scope clips to close a perforated ESD eschar. This case illustrates the relevance of prompt acting to ensure ESD safety and reinforces the feasibility of endoscopic treatment for challenging iatrogenic perforations, reducing the need for urgent surgery and its related morbidity and mortality.(AU)

Improvement of Rectal Prolapse Using an Over-the-scope Clip System.

Rectal prolapse is typically treated surgically, and internal therapy has not been reported. We encountered a case of rectal prolapse that improved with an over-the-scope clip system (OTSC). An 81-year-old woman complaining of anorectal pain underwent colonoscopy, and rectal prolapse was observed prior to colonoscopy. Unfortunately, rectal perforation occurred while attempting endoscopic reversal. The OTSC system was used to close the rectal perforation and subsequently improved her rectal prolapse, probably because the rectal wall was anchored to the retroperitoneum. This is the first report to show that rectal prolapse can be endoscopically improved and that an OTSC system might be a viable alternative method for managing inoperable rectal prolapse.

Outcomes of Endoscopic Intervention Using Over-the-Scope Clips for Anastomotic Leakage Involving Secondary Fistula after Gastrointestinal Surgery: A Japanese Multicenter Case Series.

BACKGROUND: The over-the-scope clip (OTSC) is a highly effective clipping device for refractory gastrointestinal disease. However, Japanese data from multicenter studies for anastomotic leakage (AL) involving a secondary fistula after gastrointestinal surgery are lacking. Therefore, this study evaluated the efficacy and safety of OTSC placement in Japanese patients with such conditions. METHODS: We retrospectively collected data from 28 consecutive patients from five institutions who underwent OTSC-mediated closure for AL between July 2017 and July 2020. RESULTS: The AL and fistula were located in the esophagus (3.6%, n = 1), stomach (10.7%, n = 3), small intestine (7.1%, n = 2), colon (25.0%, n = 7), and rectum (53.6%, n = 15). The technical success, clinical success, and complication rates were 92.9% (26/28), 71.4% (20/28), and 0% (0/28), respectively. An age of <65 years (85.7%), small intestinal AL (100%) and colonic AL (100%), defect size of <10 mm (82.4%), time to OTSC placement > 7 days (84.2%), and the use of simple suction (78.9%) and anchor forceps (80.0%) were associated with higher clinical success rates. CONCLUSION: OTSC placement is a useful therapeutic option for AL after gastrointestinal surgery.

Endoscopic Resection with One-Port Placement: A Newly Developed Technique for the Safe Management of Advanced Endoscopic Resection for Gastric Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors.

INTRODUCTION: Endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR) without laparoscopic assistance (pure EFTR) is an emerging, less invasive treatment for gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs). However, the technique has seldom been performed outside China because of concerns regarding pneumoperitoneum, maintenance of endoscopic view, and endoscopic suturing. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of endoscopic resection with one-port placement (EROPP) for gastric GISTs. METHODS: This retrospective study included 17 patients with gastric GISTs originating from the muscularis propria who underwent EROPP between 2019 and 2022. One camera port was inserted in the umbilicus before initiating the endoscopic procedure to maintain intra-abdominal pressure, which was monitored and adjusted via this port. While allowing for conversion to laparoscopic surgery if needed, EFTR was performed as follows: (1) circumferential incision of the mucosal and submucosal layers around the lesion was performed by typical endoscopic submucosal dissection; (2) an intentional perforation and subsequent seromuscular resection was made using dental floss and an endo-clip for traction; and (3) closure of the gastric full-thickness defect was performed with an over-the-scope clip (OTSC) after peroral retrieval of the specimen. We retrospectively assessed the short-term outcomes and safety. RESULTS: All procedures were completed successfully without conversion to laparoscopic surgery. The median size of the resected tumors was 23 mm (range, 8-35 mm), the median resection time was 36 min (range, 22-95 min), and closure time was 18 min (range, 10-45 min). The rates of en bloc and complete resection were 100% and 88%, respectively. In 2 cases, another port was added to aspirate the leaking fluid or check the condition of the endoscopic closure. All gastric defects were endoscopically closed, mainly using OTSCs. The recovery course for all patients was uneventful, and no adverse events were reported. CONCLUSIONS: EROPP is a safe and minimally invasive treatment for gastric GISTs and appears to be suitable for introducing EFTR procedures.

Endoscopic Management of Jejunal Perforation During Endoscopic Ultrasonography: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Endoscopic ultrasound is a useful diagnostic and interventional device for gastroenterologists. Although extremely useful, endoscopic ultrasound is not a benign tool. Possible complications of endoscopic ultrasound include hemorrhage, infection, and perforation. Although rare, iatrogenic small bowel perforations have been reported largely on the duodenum and rarely on the jejunum or ileum. Traditionally, these iatrogenic small bowel perforations have been managed with open surgery. However, recent emerging clinical data has revealed that immediate endoscopic treatment may be a feasible and safe alternative to surgery in select cases. Here, we describe the endoscopic management of an iatrogenic jejunal perforation during a linear endoscopic ultrasound examination managed successfully using an endoscopic clip.

Effective and Secure Closure after Duodenal Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection: Combination of Endoscopic Ligation with O-Ring Closure and Over-the-Scope Clip.

Duodenal endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is associated with high incidences of intraoperative complications and delayed adverse events (AEs). Delayed AEs can be reduced by closing the post-ESD defects. We developed a new method of closure after duodenal ESD, combining endoscopic ligation with O-ring closure (E-LOC) with an over-the-scope clip (OTSC) (Band OTSC; B-OTSC). Here, we conducted a single-center, retrospective, observational study to investigate the efficacy and safety of the B-OTSC method for preventing delayed AEs in patients undergoing duodenal ESD. The study included nine patients with superficial nonpapillary duodenal epithelial tumors who underwent ESD and were closed with B-OTSC from February 2021 to February 2023. There were no delayed AEs (0%), the mean (± standard deviation) closure time was 53 ± 21.6 min, the complete closure rate was 100%, and the mean hospital stay was 7.8 ± 1.8 days. The sustained closure rates at postoperative days 3 and 7 were 88.9% and 88.9%, respectively. The historical analysis indicated a significant difference in cost between B-OTSC and conventional OTSC (p < 0.01). In conclusion, B-OTSC was a safe, secure, and cost-effective method of closure after duodenal ESD, even in patients with post-ESD defects of more than half the circumference.

Prophylactic clipping using the over-the-scope clip (OTSC) system after complex ESD and EMR of large colon polyps.

BACKGROUND: Delayed bleeding is the most frequent complication after endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) and endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) of large colon polyps. Today, prophylactic clipping with through-the-scope clips (TTSCs) is commonly used to reduce the risk of bleeding. However, the over-the-scope clip (OTSC) system might be superior to TTSCs in achieving hemostasis. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of prophylactic clipping using the OTSC system after ESD or EMR of large colon polyps. METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis of a prospective collected database from 2009 until 2021 of three endoscopic centers. Patients with large (≥ 20 mm) colon polyps were enrolled. All polyps were removed by either ESD or EMR. After the resection, OTSCs were prophylactically applied on parts of the mucosal defect with a high risk of delayed bleeding or/and perforation. The main outcome measurement was delayed bleeding. RESULTS: A total of 75 patients underwent ESD (67%, 50/75) or EMR (33%, 25/75) in the colorectum. The mean resected specimen diameter was 57 mm ± 24.1 (range 22-98 mm). The mean number of OTSCs placed on the mucosal defect was 2 (range 1-5). None of the mucosal defects were completely closed. Intraprocedural bleeding occurred in 5.3% (ESD 2.0% vs. EMR 12.0%; P = 0.105), and intraprocedural perforation occurred in 6.7% (ESD 8% vs. EMR 4%; P = 0.659) of the patients. Hemostasis was achieved in 100% of cases of intraprocedural bleeding, whereas two patients required surgical conversion due to intraprocedural perforation. Among the remaining 73 patients who received prosphylactic clipping, delayed bleeding occurred in 1.4% (ESD 0% vs. EMR 4.2%; P = 0.329), and delayed perforation occurred in 0%. CONCLUSIONS: The prophylactic partial closure of large post-ESD/EMR mucosal defects using OTSCs could serve as an effective strategy to reduce the risk of delayed bleeding and perforation. The prophylactic partial closure of large complex post-ESD/EMR mucosal defects using OTSCs could serve as an effective strategy to reduce the risk of delayed bleeding and perforation.

A Case of Successful Endoscopic Extraction of Common Bile Duct Stones After Closing a Duodenal Perforation Using Over-The-Scope Clip.

A 57-year-old man visited our hospital for acute cholangitis due to common bile duct (CBD) stones in March 2021. Biliary stenting was performed without any complications. The cholangitis improved rapidly. He was re-hospitalized to treat the CBD stones in May 2021. Although endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography was performed, endoscopy caused a perforation of the duodenal bulb. We successfully performed endoscopic closure of the duodenal defect using an over-the-scope clip (OTSC®). Considering that mild CBD dilatation of 10 mm can carry an increased risk of stenosis after surgery, we decided to avoid surgery and perform a follow-up endoscopic treatment. He was re-hospitalized in July 2021. The endoscopy revealed OTSC® in the anterior wall of the duodenal bulb and complete healing of the perforation. We carefully advanced the scope to the second portion of the duodenum while avoiding OTSC®, and the ampulla of Vater was identified. We were then able to remove the stones without any complications. OTSC® was effective in closing a duodenal perforation and enabled us to carry out the retreatment safely and successfully.

Successful Closure of a Tracheoesophageal Fistula Using an Over-The-Scope Clip.

A tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) is a pathological connection between the trachea and esophagus, which can either occur congenitally or be acquired. An acquired TEF may occur secondary to malignancy, chemoradiotherapy, infection, or trauma. Hallmark symptoms typically associated with TEF include choking with food intake, productive cough, pneumonia, or failure to thrive. The management of TEF has predominantly involved surgical or endoscopic intervention such as esophageal or airway stenting, suturing, or ablation. More recently, the endoscopic over-the-scope clip (OTSC) has emerged as an effective method of TEF management. The OTSC grasps the mucosa overlaying lesion and seals the defect, thus making it an effective treatment option for the endoscopic closure of various GI defects such as fistulas, bleeding ulcers, and perforations. We report a case of a TEF, acquired secondary to underlying malignancy, and its successful treatment with the use of an OTSC placement. A 79-year-old female with a significant history of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) currently undergoing chemotherapy was admitted to the hospital for aspiration pneumonia. She presented with persistent productive cough and subsequent limited oral intake ability while initially presenting for DLBCL six months prior with an enlarging right-sided neck mass. Her positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) imaging showed a cavitary lesion in the superior mediastinum with increased fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) lymphatic uptake. She had an esophagogram followed by an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), due to aspiration concerns, which demonstrated a fistula site with tracheal secretions about 20 cm from the incisors. An OTSC was used to close the esophageal opening and successful closure was confirmed using real-time fluoroscopic imaging by the unimpeded passage of contrast in the stomach without leakage. At follow-up, she was able to tolerate an oral diet without any significant difficulty or symptom recurrence. We present a case of successful endoscopic management of TEF with an OTSC that resulted in immediate fistula closure and improvement in the patient's quality of life. This particular case highlights the ability of OTSC to provide more durable and long-term closure than other management techniques due to its mechanism of grasping more tissue for approximation and its association with less morbidity compared to alternative surgical interventions. Although previous reports describing the technical feasibility and utility of OTSC in TEF repair support its use, there is still a paucity of data exploring the long-term efficacy of OTSC in TEF management; therefore, additional prospective studies are necessary.

Don't be afraid of black holes: Vacuum sponge and vacuum stent treatment of leaks in the upper GI tract-a case series and mini-review.

The treatment of leaks in the upper gastrointestinal tract has been revolutionized by the advent of covered self-expanding metal stents (cSEMS), endoscopic vacuum therapy (EVT), and recently, vacuum stent therapy (VST). In this retrospective study, we report the experiences with EVT and VST at our institution. Patients and methods: Twenty-two patients (15 male, 7 female) with leaks in the esophagus, at the esophago-gastric junction or anastomotic leaks underwent EVT by placing a sponge connected to a negative pressure pump into or near the leak. VST was applied in three patients. Results: EVT led to closure of the leak in 18 of 22 Patients (82%). In 9 patients (41%), EVT was followed by application of a cSEMS. One patient (5%) died during the hospital stay due to an aorto-esophageal fistula near the leak, four others (18%) due to underlying disease. The stricture rate was 3/22 (14%). All three patients in whom VST was applied had closure of the leak and recovered. Reviewing the literature, we identified sixteen retrospective series of ten or more patients (n = 610) with an overall closure rate for EVT of 84%. In eight additional retrospective observations, a comparison between the efficacy of EVT and cSEMS therapy was performed that revealed a success rate of 89% and 69%, respectively (difference not significant, chi-square test). For VST, two small series show that closure is possible in the majority of patients. Conclusion: EVT and VST are valuable options in the treatment of leaks in the upper gastrointestinal tract.

Over-the-Scope Clips Versus Standard Endoscopic Treatment for First Line Therapy of Non-variceal Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Over-The-Scope Clips (OTSC) use have shown promising results for first line treatment of non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (NVUGIB). We conducted this meta-analysis to compare outcomes in patients treated with OTSC versus standard endoscopic intervention for first line endoscopic treatment of NVUGIB. METHODS: We reviewed several databases from inception to December 9, 2022 to identify studies comparing OTSC and standard treatments as the first line treatment for NVUGIB. The outcomes assessed included re-bleeding, initial hemostasis, need for vascular embolization, mortality, need for repeat endoscopy, 30 day readmission rate, and need for surgery. Pooled risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using random effect model. Heterogeneity was assessed by I2 statistic. RESULTS: We included 11 studies with 1608 patients (494 patients in OTSC group and 1114 patients in control group). OTSC use was associated with significantly lower risk of re-bleeding (RR, 0.58; 95% CI 0.41-0.82). We found no significant difference in rates of initial hemostasis (RR, 1.05; 95% CI 0.99- 1.11), vascular embolization rates (RR, 0.93; 95% CI 0.40- 2.13), need for repeat endoscopy (RR, 0.78; 95% CI 0.40-1.49), 30 day readmission rate (RR, 0.59; 95% CI 0.17-2.01), need for surgery (RR, 0.81; 95% CI 0.29-2.28) and morality (RR, 0.69; 95% CI 0.38-1.23). CONCLUSIONS: OTSC are associated with significantly lower risk of re-bleeding compared to standard endoscopic treatments when used as first line endoscopic therapy for NVUGIB.

Over-the-scope clip to the rescue: solution for duodenal perforation from migrated biliary stent.

Video 1Over-the-scope clip to the rescue: solution for duodenal perforation from migrated biliary stent.