Hybrid management with graham patch repair assisted with an OVESCO endoscopic system for a post-Nissen fundoplication gastric fistula: A case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Gastric fistula is a complication in gastrointestinal surgery. For decades, patients with gastric fistulas were treated surgically, with high morbidity and mortality. Minimally invasive treatment through endoscopic therapy with stents and interventionism has allowed improvements. We present a case of successful hybrid laparoscopy and endoscopy for the treatment of a post-Nissen fundoplication gastric fistula. CASE PRESENTATION: A 44-year-old male underwent laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication surgery; at 10 days post-surgery, he presented with oral intolerance, abdominal pain, and laboratory results showing an inflammatory response. Imaging studies indicated intra-abdominal collection; therefore, a laparoscopy revision was performed; transoperative endoscopy confirmed intra-abdominal collection and a gastric fistula. In turn, we performed closure with an omentum patch through the fistula fixed with OVESCO by endoscopy, with successful results. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Gastric fistula is a difficult complication to treat because exposure to secretions causes inflammation. Endoscopic techniques are described for the closure of gastrointestinal fistulas; however, several aspects must be considered for their use. Hybrid laparoscopic and endoscopic treatment in the same surgery can be useful and served as a novel and successful option in our case. CONCLUSION: Hybrid treatment with endoscopy and laparoscopy can be considered an optional approach for the management of gastric fistulas greater than 1 cm and of several days of evolution.

Manejo de perforaciones, fugas y fístulas del tracto gastrointestinal con clip sobre el endoscopio. Experiencia de un centro oncológico Latinoamericano / Management of perforations, leaks and fistulas of the gastrointestinal tract with over the scope clip. Experience at a Latin American cancer center

Introducción. Las fístulas derivadas de enfermedades neoplásicas del tracto digestivo, así como las fugas posteriores a procedimientos quirúrgicos, no son infrecuentes y ocasionan una morbilidad importante cuando se manejan de forma quirúrgica. También durante los procedimientos endoscópicos se pueden presentar perforaciones y, si se logra un manejo no operatorio, se alcanza una adecuada recuperación. El objetivo de este estudio fue describir las características clínicas y los resultados de los pacientes con perforaciones, fístulas y fugas del tracto gastrointestinal, manejadas endoscópicamente con clip sobre el endoscopio. Métodos. Estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo, de pacientes con perforación, fuga o fístula postoperatoria, llevados a endoscopía digestiva con colocación de clip sobre el endoscopio, en el Instituto Nacional de Cancerología en Bogotá, D.C., Colombia, entre enero de 2016 y abril de 2020. Resultados. Se incluyeron 21 pacientes, 52,4 % de ellos mujeres. La mediana de edad fue de 66 años y del diámetro del defecto fue de 9 mm. En el 95 % se logró éxito técnico. Hubo éxito clínico temprano en el 85,7 % de los casos. El 76,1 % de los pacientes permanecieron sin síntomas a los 3 meses de seguimiento. Conclusiones. El manejo de perforaciones, fugas y fístulas con clip sobre el endoscopio parece ser factible y seguro. En la mayoría de estos pacientes se logró la liberación del clip y la identificación endoscópica del cierre inmediatamente después del procedimiento; sin embargo, en el caso de las fístulas, no se alcanzó el éxito clínico tardío en todos los casos

Introduction. Fistula of the digestive tract derived from neoplastic diseases as well as leaks following surgical procedures are not uncommon and usually cause significant morbidity when are managed surgically. Diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopic procedures may present perforations during their performance; if they are managed non-operatively, an adequate recovery is obtained. The purpose of this study was to describe the clinical characteristics and the short- and long-term outcomes of patients with perforations, fistulas and leaks of the gastrointestinal tract managed endoscopically with over the scope clip (OTSC). Methods. Descriptive, retrospective study of patients brought to digestive endoscopy with OTSC placement with diagnosis of postoperative perforation, leak or fistula at the National Cancer Institute in Bogota, Colombia, between January 2016 and April 2020. Results. Twenty-one patients were taken for OTSC application for the management of perforations, leaks and fistulas of the gastrointestinal tract, 52.4% of them were women. The median age was 66 years. The median diameter of the defect was 9 mm. Technical success was achieved in 95%. Early clinical success was described in 85.7% of the cases; 76.1% of patients remained symptom-free at 3-month follow-up. Conclusions. Management of perforations, leaks and fistulas with OTSC appears to be feasible and safe. In most of these patients, clip release and endoscopic identification of closure was achieved immediately after management; however, in the case of fistulas, late clinical success was not achieved in all cases

Exclusión pilórica con dispositivo Ovesco (over-the-scope) en caso de fístula yeyunal en obstrucción duodenal de etiología maligna / Pyloric Exclusion with Ovesco (Over-the-scope-clip) Device for Jejunal Fistula in Duodenal Obstruction of Malignant Etiology

Resumen Se reporta el caso de un hombre de 25 años con diagnóstico de tumor de células germinales no seminomatoso que ingresó a urgencias por cuadro clínico de dolor abdominal difuso asociado con distensión y múltiples episodios eméticos. Ante la sospecha clínica de obstrucción intestinal se realizó una tomografía abdominal contrastada que mostró una obstrucción en la tercera porción duodenal por compresión extrínseca ocasionada por múltiples conglomerados retroperitoneales. Se decidió el tiempo quirúrgico para una derivación gastrointestinal en la que se realizó una gastroyeyunoanastomosis por técnica convencional; hacia el quinto día posoperatorio presentó un deterioro clínico dado por episodios febriles, dolor abdominal y taquicardia. Se realizó una nueva tomografía abdominal que reportó una colección intraabdominal en el flanco izquierdo de 12 x 12 x 5 cm secundaria a proceso fistuloso yeyunal, se realizó un manejo de la colección con drenaje percutáneo por radiología intervencionista y alojamiento de catéteres de drenaje, y se realizó una esofagogastroduodenoscopia con el fin de ejecutar una técnica de exclusión pilórica con dispositivo Ovesco (over-the-scope) como manejo de la fístula yeyunal, con la que se obtuvo éxito técnico. Durante el posoperatorio se realizó como seguimiento una radiografía de vías digestivas que confirmó la no continuidad pilórica con adecuada permeabilidad de la gastroyeyunoanastomosis, y una tomografía abdominal contrastada que mostró una disminución de la colección intraabdominal sin extravasaciones del medio de contraste. El desenlace favorable de este caso sugiere la utilidad del dispositivo Ovesco en casos de fístulas del tracto gastrointestinal proximal, sobre todo en aquellos pacientes con múltiples comorbilidades o mal estado general que se favorecen de procedimientos mínimamente invasivos que disminuyan el riesgo de desenlace fatal.

Abstract A 25-year-old man diagnosed with a non-seminomatous germ cell tumor was admitted to the emergency department for diffuse abdominal pain associated with bloating and multiple emetic episodes. Due to the clinical suspicion of intestinal obstruction, a contrasted abdominal tomography was performed, showing an obstruction in the third duodenal portion resulting from extrinsic compression caused by multiple retroperitoneal conglomerates. Surgical time was scheduled for a gastric bypass surgery where gastrojejunostomy was performed using conventional technique. On the fifth postoperative day, he presented clinical deterioration due to febrile episodes, abdominal pain, and tachycardia. A new abdominal tomography was performed, reporting an intra-abdominal collection of pus on the left flank of 12 x 12 x 5 cm secondary to the jejunal fistula process. Hence, percutaneous drainage management of the collection was performed by interventional radiology and drainage catheter placement. In addition, an EGD was performed to conduct a pyloric exclusion technique with an Ovesco (over-the-scope-clip) device for managing the jejunal fistula, which was technically successful. A gastrointestinal tract X-ray was performed as a follow-up during the postoperative stage, showing no pyloric continuity with adequate patency of the gastrojejunostomy. In addition, a contrasted abdominal CT scan showed a decrease in the intra-abdominal collection without extravasation of the contrast medium. This case outcome suggests the Ovesco device may be helpful in proximal GI fistulas cases, especially in patients with multiple comorbidities or poor general conditions who may benefit from minimally invasive procedures decreasing the risk of fatal outcomes.

Tratamiento endoscópico de una fístula aguda tras gastrectomía vertical laparoscópica / Endoscopic treatment of an acute fistula after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy / Tratamento endoscópico de uma fístula aguda após gastrectomia vertical laparoscópica

La fístula gástrica aguda es una de las principales complicaciones vinculadas a la gastrectomía vertical laparoscópica (GVL). Existen múltiples opciones terapéuticas para su resolución, siendo el tratamiento endoscópico mediante colocación de clips o stents uno de los más importantes. La aplicabilidad de cada método va a depender del tipo de fístula y del estado del paciente. Presentamos el caso de una mujer de 35 años, que desarrolla una fístula aguda posterior a una GVL. Se realiza tratamiento endoscópico con colocaciónn del sistema "over-the-scope clip" (Ovesco®) a nivel del orificio fistuloso, con posterior colocaciónn de stent metálico auto expandible.

Acute gastric fistula is one of the main complications associated with laparoscopic vertical gastrectomy (LVG). There are multiple therapeutic options for its resolution, being endoscopic treatment by placing clips or stents one of the most important. The applicability of each method will depend on the type of fistula and the patient's condition. We present the case of a 35-year-old woman who developed an acute fistula after LGV. Endoscopic treatment is performed with placement of the over-the-scope clip system (Ovesco®) at the level of the fistulous orifice, with subsequent placement of a self-expanding metal stent.

A fístula gástrica aguda é uma das principais complicações associadas à gastrectomia vertical laparoscópica (GVL). Existem múltiplas opções terapêuticas para a sua resolução, sendo o tratamento endoscópico com colocação de clipes ou stents uma das mais importantes. A aplicabilidade de cada método dependerá do tipo de fístula e do estado do paciente. Apresentamos o caso de uma mulher de 35 anos que apresentou uma fístula aguda após GVL. O tratamento endoscópico foi realizado com a colocação do sistema de clipe over-the-scope (Ovesco®) no nível do orifício fistuloso, com posterior colocação de stent metálico autoexpansível.

Over-the-Scope Clip in the Treatment of Gastrointestinal Leaks and Perforations.

While perforations, postoperative fistulas, and leaks have traditionally led to surgical or interventional radiology consultation for management, the introduction of the over-the-scope clip has allowed increased therapeutic possibilities for endoscopists. While primarily limited to case reports and series, the over-the-scope clip successfully manages gastrointestinal bleeding, perforations, as well as postoperative leaks and fistulas. Retrospective studies have demonstrated a relatively high success rate and a low complication rate. Given the similarity to variceal banding equipment, the learning curve with the over-the-scope clip is rapid. However, given the higher risk of procedures involving the use of the over-the-scope clip, it is essential to obtain the scope in a stable position and grasp sufficient tissue with the cap using a grasping tool and/or suction. From our experience, while closure may be successful in lesions sized up to 3 cm, successful outcomes are obtained for lesions sized <1 cm. Ultimately, given the limited available data, prospective randomized trials are needed to better evaluate the utility of the over-the-scope clip in various clinical scenarios, including fistula and perforation management.

Hepatoduodenal fistula closure diagnosed and characterized Ecoendoscopically (EUS) and managed by OTSC CLIP OVESCO: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Gastrointestinal (GI) tract perforations are a significant source of morbidity in clinical practice; therefore, an early diagnosis is fundamental for early management. In management, surgery is the definitive therapy; however, there is evidence of a strong response to conservative measurements. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 53-year-old man known for a laparoscopic cholecystectomy with difficult access and postoperative complications was admitted to our emergency department due to a five-day clinical history comprising acute abdominal pain and feverish peaks up to 38.4 °C. Diagnosis methods CT and NMR were performed but did not lead to a clear diagnosis. Therefore, a EUS was performed observing an anechoic path that communicates the duodenal wall with a right subhepatic collection that was in contact with the proximal bile duct, thickening its walls. A 5 mm fistulous orifice was found. The hepatoduodenal fistula was close endoscopically with the over-the-scope-clip OVESCO OTSC. Post endoscopic closure course was uneventful. DISCUSSION: Duodenal fistulae are considered one of the most serious complications in gastrointestinal surgery, when conventional diagnosis methods do not permit the clinicians to get either a medical diagnosis or the management; the EUS can. Advances in interventional endoscopic techniques offer an alternative management for the closure of GI fistulae. CONCLUSION: Whenever the presence of an organized fistula is clinically suspected, EUS can be considered a useful tool that allows not only the characterization of the fistulous path and but also the definition of the minimally invasive endoscopic treatment.

Clinical efficacy of the over-the-scope clip device: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: The over-the-scope clip (OTSC) system has been increasingly utilized as a non-surgical option to endoscopically manage refractory gastrointestinal (GI) hemorrhage, perforations/luminal defects and fistulas. Limited data exist evaluating the efficacy and safety of OTSC. AIM: To determine the clinical success and adverse event (AE) rates of OTSC across all GI indications. METHODS: A PubMed search was conducted for eligible articles describing the application of the OTSC system for any indication in the GI tract. Any article or case series reporting data for less than 5 total patients was excluded. The primary outcome was the rate of clinical success. Secondary outcomes included: Technical success rate, OTSC-related AE rate and requirement for surgical intervention despite-OTSC placement. Pooled rates (per-indication and overall) were calculated as the number of patients with the event of interest divided by the total number of patients. RESULTS: A total of 85 articles met our inclusion criteria (n = 3025 patients). OTSC was successfully deployed in 94.4% of patients (n = 2856/3025). The overall rate of clinical success (all indications) was 78.4% (n = 2371/3025). Per-indication clinical success rates were as follows: (1) 86.0% (1120/1303) for GI hemorrhage; (2) 85.3% (399/468) for perforation; (3) 55.8% (347/622) for fistulae; (4) 72.6% (284/391) for anastomotic leaks; (5) 92.8% (205/221) for defect closure following endoscopic resection (e.g., following endoscopic mucosal resection or endoscopic submucosal dissection); and (6) 80.0% (16/20) for stent fixation. AE's related to the deployment of OTSC were only reported in 64 of 85 studies (n = 1942 patients), with an overall AE rate of 2.1% (n = 40/1942). Salvage surgical intervention was required in 4.7% of patients (n = 143/3025). CONCLUSION: This systematic review demonstrates that the OTSC system is a safe and effective endoscopic therapy to manage GI hemorrhage, perforations, anastomotic leaks, defects created by endoscopic resections and for stent fixation. Clinical success in fistula management appears limited. Further studies, including randomized controlled trials comparing OTSC with conventional and/or surgical therapies, are needed to determine which indication(s) are the most effective for its use.

The Use of the Over the Scope Clips Beyond Its Standard Use: A Pictorial Description.

Despite major improvements in endoscopic devices and therapeutic endoscopy, closure of gastrointestinal perforations, dehiscence, and fistulae had remained problematic. However, since the advent of devices such as the over the scope clip and others, endoscopic closure of gastrointestinal defects has become a routine approach. Furthermore, because of its strong apposition force, the over the scope clip may also be used to anchor fully covered self-expanding metal stents. In addition, the over the scope clip is an effective rescue therapy for various types of gastrointestinal bleeding pathologies. It is frequently used as an additional tool in complex gastrointestinal leak cases requiring internal and external drains.

Endoscopic management of nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

Endoscopic therapy is the mainstay of treatment for nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (NVUGIB). Injection plus mechanical or thermal therapy continues to be the most widely used option. New endoscopic devices such as the use of an inert powder or a new class of over-the-scope clip system have demonstrated encouraging results as a rescue therapy for difficult hemostasis. Emerging data suggest that Doppler ultrasound-guided endoscopic therapy may improve the outcome of peptic ulcer bleeding. This review sumarizes the recent advances in the management of NVUGIB. With increasing use of anti-platelet agents and anti-coagulants, the management of NVUGIB in patients on anti-thrombotic therapy is also discussed.

Endoscopic closure of gastrointestinal perforations and fistulas using the Ovesco Over-The-Scope Clip system at a tertiary care hospital center. / Cierre endoscópico de perforaciones y fístulas del tracto digestivo mediante el sistema «Over-the scope clip¼ (Ovesco), en un centro terciario.

INTRODUCTION AND AIM: Enteric perforations and fistulas are difficult to manage due to comorbidities, poor nutritional status, and anatomic challenges related to multiple interventions in those patients. The use of endoscopic methods as a nonsurgical approach is increasing. The aim of the present study was to describe the clinical experience with the use of the Ovesco Over-The-Scope Clip system in the closure of perforations, fistulas, and other indications in the digestive tract at a tertiary care hospital center. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A case series was carried out on patients that underwent lesion closure with the Ovesco clip, within the time frame of January 2015 to December 2017. RESULTS: The Ovesco clip was used for closure in 14 patients ranging in age from 21-90 years, with different indications: iatrogenic perforations; anastomotic leaks and fistulas; tracheoesophageal fistulas; and esophagogastric perforation. Technical success was achieved in 100% of the patients and clinical success in 78.57%. No complications were reported. CONCLUSIONS: The Ovesco Over-The-Scope Clip system is a safe and effective method for managing gastrointestinal acute perforations and fistulas.

Emerging Endoscopic Treatments for Nonvariceal Upper Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage.

Despite major improvements in endoscopic devices and therapeutic endoscopy, rebleeding rates and mortality have remained the same for several decades. Therefore, much interest has been paid to emerging therapeutic devices, such as the over-the-scope clip and hemostatic sprays. Other emerging technologies, such as radiofrequency ablation, endoscopic suturing devices, and ultrasound-guided angiotherapy, are also being investigated to improve therapeutic outcomes in specific situations. This narrative review details the technical aspects, clinical applications, outcomes, and potential limitations of these devices in the context of nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage.

Over-the-scope clip for endoscopic closure of gastrogastric fistulae.

BACKGROUND: Gastrogastric fistulae (GGF) are a well-known complication of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). Endoscopic approaches for closure of GGF have gained popularity, but with limited data and efficacy. OBJECTIVES: The primary arm of the study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the endoscopic closure of GGF using the over-the-scope clip (OTSC) device. SETTING: University hospital, United States METHODS: This is a retrospective review of consecutive patients at a single academic center from September 2013 to December 2014 who underwent upper endoscopy with attempted OTSC placement for closure of GGF related to RYGB. Preprocedural, procedural, and postprocedural data were collected. Outcome measures included technical success, primary success, and long-term success. RESULTS: A total of 14 patients underwent attempted GGF closure using OTSC. Twelve of the 14 patients (85.7%) had technical success. Four patients were lost to follow-up. Primary success was achieved in 5 of the 10 patients (50%) in which it was assessed, either by upper gastrointestinal series or endoscopy. One of the 5 patients who had primary success was then lost to follow-up. Of the 4 patients in whom primary success was achieved and had long-term follow up, 75% (n = 3) achieved long-term success at a mean follow-up of 6.6 months from initial OTSC placement (range, 3-9), making for a long-term success rate of 33% (3/9). There were no reported complications. CONCLUSION: OTSC closure of small GGF is feasible, safe, and offers a reasonable alternative to surgical revision. Large GGF may undergo attempted endoscopic closure, acknowledging a high failure rate.

Endoscopic Management of Gastrointestinal Leaks and Bleeding with the Over-the-Scope Clip: A Prospective Study.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The over-the-scope clip (OTSC) is a device used for endoscopic closure of perforations, leaks and fistulas, and for endoscopic hemostasis. To evaluate the clinical effectiveness and safety of OTSC. METHODS: Between October 2013 and November 2015, 12 patients underwent OTSC placement by an experienced endoscopist. OTSC was used for the closure of gastrointestinal (GI) leaks and fistula in six patients, three of which were iatrogenic (esophageal, gastric, and duodenal) and three of which were inflammatory. In six patients, OTSC was used for hemostasis of non-variceal upper GI bleeding. Endoscopic tattooing using India ink was used to assist the accurate placement of the clip. RESULTS: All subjects except one with a colonic defect experienced immediate technical success as well as long-term clinical success, during a mean follow-up of 6 weeks. Only one clip was required to close each of the GI defects and to achieve hemostasis in all patients. There were no misfirings or complications of clips. The procedure was well tolerated, and patients were hospitalized for an average of 8 days (range, 3 to 10). Antiplatelet therapy was continued in patients with GI bleeding. CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, OTSC was safe and effective for the closure of GI defect and to achieve hemostasis of non-variceal GI bleeding.

Uso del sistema over-the-scope clip (OTSC) en el tracto gastrointestinal. Experiencia en un centro de tercer nivel en Bogotá, Colombia / Use of the over-the-scope clip (OTSC) system in the gastrointestinal tract: Experience at a third level center in Bogotá, Colombia

Resumen Introducción: las perforaciones o fístulas del tracto gastrointestinal (TGI) plantean un gran reto terapéutico y usualmente son de manejo quirúrgico. Con la introducción de nuevos accesorios endoscópicos, el gastroenterólogo cada vez más tiene que manejar a estos pacientes. El sistema over-the-scope clip (OTSC) (Ovesco) ha mostrado utilidad en el cierre de perforaciones del TGI de varias causas. Métodos: este trabajo presenta una serie de casos prospectiva, conducida en un centro de endoscopia de tercer nivel en Bogotá, Colombia, durante el año 2015 en el que se muestra la experiencia con el uso del sistema OTSC, en 6 pacientes con diferentes indicaciones. Los pacientes fueron seguidos mínimo 3 meses para valorar recurrencia. Resultados: se recopilaron 6 casos, 3 hombres y 3 mujeres, con un promedio de edad de 46,6 años, cuyas indicaciones fueron: perforación rectal, fístula gastrocutánea posterior a gastrostomía percutánea, fístula gástrica posterior a cirugía bariátrica, resección transmural del cáncer gástrico con el clip, fístula rectovaginal y perforación duodenal traumática. Se logró el cierre exitoso de la lesión en 5 de los 6 casos, con una tasa de éxito de 83,3%. Conclusiones: el sistema OTSC es un sistema útil para el cierre de perforaciones del TGI de diversas etiologías, mostrando mayor eficacia en el cierre de perforaciones agudas. No siendo útil en lesiones crónicas como la fístula rectovaginal. También puede ser útil en nuevas opciones como la resección transmural del cáncer gástrico temprano.

Abstract Perforations and fistulas of the gastrointestinal tract pose great therapeutic challenges and have usually been treated surgically. Recently, introduction of new endoscopic accessories has resulted in a growing trend of gastroenterological management of these patients. The "over-the-scope clip" (OTSC) system has shown itself to be useful for closing perforations of the gastrointestinal tract resulting from various causes. Methods: This paper presents a prospective case series of patients at a third level endoscopy center in Bogotá, Colombia who were treated in 2015. Experience with the use of the OTSC system in six patients with different indications is presented with at least three months of follow-up to assess recurrence. Results: Six cases, three men and three women, whose average age was 46.6 years were treated for a rectal perforation, a gastrocutaneous fistula following percutaneous gastrostomy, a posterior gastric fistula following bariatric surgery, gastric cancer through transmural clip resection, a rectal-vaginal fistula, and traumatic duodenal perforation. Successful closure of the lesion was achieved in five of the six cases, with a success rate of 83.3%. Conclusions: The OTSC system is useful system for closure of perforations of diverse etiologies in the gastrointestinal tract and is very efficient for closure of acute perforations. Nevertheless, it is not useful for chronic lesions such as rectal-vaginal fistulas. It may also be useful for new options such as transmural resection of early gastric cancer.

Endoscopic Management of Gastrointestinal Leaks and Bleeding with the Over-the-Scope Clip: A Prospective Study

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The over-the-scope clip (OTSC) is a device used for endoscopic closure of perforations, leaks and fistulas, and for endoscopic hemostasis. To evaluate the clinical effectiveness and safety of OTSC. METHODS: Between October 2013 and November 2015, 12 patients underwent OTSC placement by an experienced endoscopist. OTSC was used for the closure of gastrointestinal (GI) leaks and fistula in six patients, three of which were iatrogenic (esophageal, gastric, and duodenal) and three of which were inflammatory. In six patients, OTSC was used for hemostasis of non-variceal upper GI bleeding. Endoscopic tattooing using India ink was used to assist the accurate placement of the clip. RESULTS: All subjects except one with a colonic defect experienced immediate technical success as well as long-term clinical success, during a mean follow-up of 6 weeks. Only one clip was required to close each of the GI defects and to achieve hemostasis in all patients. There were no misfirings or complications of clips. The procedure was well tolerated, and patients were hospitalized for an average of 8 days (range, 3 to 10). Antiplatelet therapy was continued in patients with GI bleeding. CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, OTSC was safe and effective for the closure of GI defect and to achieve hemostasis of non-variceal GI bleeding.

Closure of gastrointestinal defects with Ovesco clip: long-term results and clinical implications.

BACKGROUND: The Over-The-Scope Clip (OTSC®, Ovesco Endoscopy GmbH, Tübingen, Germany) is an innovative clipping device that provides a strong tissue grasp and compression without provoking ischemia or laceration. In this retrospective study we evaluated immediate and long-term success rates of OTSC deployment in various pathologies of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. METHODS: A total of 45 patients (35 female, 10 male) with an average age of 56 years old (range, 24-90 years) were treated with an OTSC for GI defects resulting from a diagnostic or interventional endoscopic procedure (acute setting group) or for fistula following abdominal surgery (chronic setting group). All procedures were performed with CO2 insufflation. RESULTS: From January 2012 to December 2015 a total of 51 OTSCs were delivered in 45 patients for different kinds of GI defects. Technical success was always achieved in the acute setting group with an excellent clip adherence and a clinical long-term success rate of 100% (15/15). Meanwhile, considering the chronic setting group, technical success was achieved in 50% of patients with a long-term clinical success of 37% (11/30); two minor complications occurred. A total of three patients died due to causes not directly related to clip deployment. Overall clinical success rate was achieved in 58% cases (26/45 patients). A mean follow-up period of 17 months was accomplished (range, 1-36 months). CONCLUSION: OTSC deployment is an effective and minimally-invasive procedure for GI defects in acute settings. It avoids emergency surgical repair and it allows, in most cases, completion of the primary endoscopic procedure. OTSC should be incorporated as an essential technique of today's modern endoscopic armamentarium in the management of GI defects in acute settings. OTSCs were less effective in cases of chronic defects.

Over-the-scope clips in the treatment of gastrointestinal tract iatrogenic perforation: A multicenter retrospective study and a classification of gastrointestinal tract perforations.

AIM: To determine the outcome of the management of iatrogenic gastrointestinal tract perforations treated by over-the-scope clip (OTSC) placement. METHODS: We retrospectively enrolled 20 patients (13 female and 7 male; mean age: 70.6 ± 9.8 years) in eight high-volume tertiary referral centers with upper or lower iatrogenic gastrointestinal tract perforation treated by OTSC placement. Gastrointestinal tract perforation could be with oval-shape or with round-shape. Oval-shape perforations were closed by OTSC only by suction and the round-shape by the "twin-grasper" plus suction. RESULTS: Main perforation diameter was 10.1 ± 4.3 mm (range 3-18 mm). The technical success rate was 100% (20/20 patients) and the clinical success rate was 90% (18/20 patients). Two patients (10%) who did not have complete sealing of the defect underwent surgery. Based upon our observations we propose two types of perforation: Round-shape "type-1 perforation" and oval-shape "type-2 perforation". Eight (40%) out of the 20 patients had a type-1 perforation and 12 patients a type-2 (60%). CONCLUSION: OTSC placement should be attempted after perforation occurring during diagnostic or therapeutic endoscopy. A failed closure attempt does not impair subsequent surgical treatment.