Endoscopic treatment of iatrogenic gastrointestinal perforations: an overview

Endoscopic Management of Iatrogenic Perforations

The evolution of sophisticated technology has brought about the rise of endoscopic strategies for managing iatrogenic esophageal perforation. This approach is reserved for stable patients with limited contamination. The most commonly performed procedures are reviewed, focusing on procedural steps and outcomes. Esophageal stenting remains the most widely implemented strategy with promising success rates. Clipping, endoluminal vacuum therapy, and suturing are also viable options. Patient selection and further study are paramount to establishing this less invasive strategy as a more standard approach.

Evaluation of ERCP-related perforation: a single-center retrospective study

Background

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)-related perforation is a rare and serious adverse event. The aim of our study was to evaluate the risk factors and management of ERCP-related perforation, and to further determine the predictive factors associated with perforation outcome.

Methods

A total of 27,018 ERCP procedures performed at the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University (Nanchang, China) between January 2007 and March 2022 were included in the investigation of ERCP-related perforation. Medical records and endoscopic data were extracted to analyse the risk factors, management, and clinical outcome of ERCP-related perforation.

Results

Seventy-six patients (0.28%) were identified as having experienced perforation following ERCP. Advanced age, Billroth II anatomy, precut sphincterotomy, and papillary balloon dilatation were significantly associated with ERCP-related perforation. Most patients with perforation (n = 65) were recognized immediately during ERCP whereas 11 were recognized later on. The delay in recognition primarily resulted from stent migration (n = 9). In addition, 12 patients experienced poor clinical outcome including death or hospice discharge (n = 3), ICU admission for >3 days (n = 6), and prolonged hospital stay for >1 month due to perforation (n = 3). Cancer and systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) are associated with a higher risk of poor outcome.

Conclusions

Advanced age, Billroth II anatomy, precut sphincterotomy, and balloon dilation increase the risk of ERCP-related perforation whereas cancer and SIRS independently predicted poor clinical outcome.

Characteristics and endoscopic treatment of interventional and non-interventional iatrogenic colorectal perforations in centers with high endoscopic expertise: a retrospective multicenter study

BACKGROUND

Iatrogenic colorectal perforation is a rare event with a relevant mortality and the need for surgical therapy in around ¾ of cases.

METHODS

In this retrospective multicentric cohort study iatrogenic colorectal perforations from 2004 to 2021 were analyzed. Primary outcome parameters were incidence and clinical success of 1st line endoscopic treatment. Comparative analysis of interventional and non-interventional perforations was performed and predictors for clinical success of endoscopic therapy were identified.

RESULTS

From 103,570 colonoscopies 213 (0.2%) iatrogenic perforations were identified. 68.4% were interventional (80 during polypectomy/EMR, 54 during ESD and 11 for other reasons) and 31.6% non-interventional perforations (39 by the tip, 19 by the shaft, 7 by inversion, two by biopsy and one by distension). Incidence of 1st line endoscopic therapy was 61.0% and clinical success 81.5%. Other non-surgical therapies were conducted in 8.9% with clinical success in 94.7% of cases. In interventional perforations both incidence and clinical success of 1st line endoscopic therapy were significantly higher compared to non-interventional perforations [71.7% vs. 38.2% (p < 0.01) resp. 86.5% vs. 61.5% (p < 0.01)]. Mortality was 2.3% and significantly lower in the group of interventional perforations (0.7% vs. 5.9%, p = 0.037). Multivariable analysis revealed perforation size < 5 mm as only independent predictor for clinical success of 1st line endoscopic treatment [OR 14.85 (1.57-140.69), p = 0.019].

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic therapy is treatment of choice in the majority of iatrogenic colorectal perforations. In case of interventional perforations it is highly effective but only a minority of non-interventional perforations are good candidates for endoscopic treatment.

Quality improvement project on the development of a management algorithm for iatrogenic perforations and the long-term impact on physician knowledge

Background and study aims  Acute iatrogenic endoscopic perforations (AIEPs) can have high morbidity and mortality, especially colonic perforations. Knowledge of diagnosis and AIEP management can improve patient care. The aims of this study were to: develop an evidence-based AIEP management algorithm; study its short-term and long-term impact on physician knowledge; and evaluate physician knowledge using hypothetical clinical scenarios. Methods  An institutional AIEP management algorithm was created using the most current recommendations from the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy and the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. Input from advanced endoscopists, nurses, and anesthesiologists was also obtained. We assessed change in physician knowledge using a 10-item questionnaire before (pretest), a standardized one-page AIEP educational material and algorithm immediately after (post-test) to test short-term retention, and 6 months later (6-month reassessment) to test long-term retention. With the 6-month reassessment, two clinical scenarios based on real AIEP were presented to evaluate application of knowledge. Results  Twenty-eight subjects (8 gastroenterology fellows and 20 practicing gastroenterologists) participated in the assessments. Pretest and immediate post-test accuracies were 75 % and 95 % ( P  < 0.01), respectively. Six-month reassessment accuracies were 83.6 %, significantly worse compared to post-test accuracies ( P  < 0.05), but significantly improved compared to pretest accuracies ( P  < 0.05). Accuracies for clinical scenarios #1 and #2 were 67.5 % and 60.3 %, respectively. Fellows had similar accuracies when compared to practicing gastroenterologists. Conclusions  Using standardized methodology and a multidisciplinary approach, an AIEP management algorithm was created to improve patient care and alleviate physician and staff stress. In addition, we showed that a one-page educational document on perforations can significantly improve short-term and long-term physician knowledge, although periodic reeducation is needed.

Colonic Wall Injuries After Endoscopic Resection: Still a Major Complication? A Retrospective Analysis of 3782 Endoscopic Resections

BACKGROUND

Colonic wall injuries are the most feared adverse events of endoscopic resections among endoscopists. The implementation of endoscopic closure has offered a reliable way to treat such injuries and, thus, has decreased their overall morbidity and mortality.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of our study is to assess the characteristics and outcomes of colonic wall injuries after endoscopic resection, focusing on the endoscopic treatment of these injuries.

DESIGN

This was a retrospective cohort study.

SETTINGS

Patients treated in the Central Endoscopy Unit of the Medical Centre Mannheim were included.

PATIENTS

We retrospectively analyzed all patients who underwent endoscopic mucosal resection and snare polypectomy in our center between 2004 and 2019 and isolated the resection-related colonic wall injuries. These were divided into 3 groups: group A, endoscopically treated early colonic wall injuries; group B, nonendoscopically treated early colonic wall injuries; and group C, late perforations.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Periprocedural factors and treatment outcomes were analyzed and compared among the 3 groups.

RESULTS

Of 3782 endoscopic resections, we identified 177 cases of colonic wall injuries, of which 148 were identified and treated endoscopically (group A), 9 were identified during the procedure but could not be treated endoscopically (group B), and 20 were late perforations (group C). Endoscopic treatment with use of clips had a technical success rate of 94.3%, while the clinical success rate of technically complete endoscopic closure was 92.6%. Twenty-two percent of all colonic wall injuries required surgical treatment; the type and outcomes of surgery were similar in all groups. Overall hospital stay was significantly lower in group A.

LIMITATIONS

The main limitation of the study is its retrospective design.

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic closure with the use of clips is a safe and feasible treatment for intraprocedurally identified colonic wall injuries and is associated with significantly decreased necessity of surgery, morbidity, and hospital stay. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B755.

LESIONES DE PARED COLNICA POSTERIOR A RESECCIN ENDOSCPICA ES AN UNA COMPLICACIN IMPORTANTE ANLISIS RETROSPECTIVO DE RESECCIONES ENDOSCPICAS

ANTECEDENTES:Las lesiones de la pared del colon son los eventos adversos más temidos por los endoscopistas durante las resecciones endoscópicas. La implementación del cierre endoscópico ha ofrecido una forma confiable de tratar tales lesiones y, por lo tanto, disminuyendo su morbilidad y mortalidad general.OBJETIVOS:El objetivo de nuestro estudio es evaluar las características y resultados de las lesiones de la pared colónica posterior a la resección endoscópica, centrándose en su tratamiento endoscópico.DISEÑO:Es un estudio de cohorte retrospectivo.ENTORNO CLÍNICO:Se incluyeron pacientes tratados en la Unidad Central de Endoscopia del Centro Médico de Mannheim.PACIENTES:Se analizaron retrospectivamente todos los pacientes sometidos a resección endoscópica de la mucosa y polipectomía en asa en nuestro centro entre 2004 y 2019, seleccionando las lesiones de la pared colónica relacionadas a la resección. Estas se dividieron en tres grupos: Grupo A: lesiones tempranas de la pared colónica tratadas endoscópicamente; Grupo B: lesiones tempranas de la pared colónica no tratadas endoscópicamente; y Grupo C: perforaciones tardías.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE VALORACION:Se analizaron y compararon los factores relacionados al procedimiento y los resultados del tratamiento entre los tres grupos.RESULTADOS:De 3782 resecciones endoscópicas identificamos 177 casos de lesiones de la pared colónica, de los cuales 148 fueron identificados y tratados endoscópicamente (Grupo A), 9 fueron identificados durante el procedimiento pero no pudieron ser tratados endoscópicamente (Grupo B) y 20 fueron perforaciones tardías. (Grupo C). El tratamiento endoscópico con el uso de clips tuvo una tasa de éxito técnico del 94,3%, mientras que la tasa de éxito clínico del cierre endoscópico técnicamente completo fue del 92,6%. El veintidós por ciento de todas las lesiones de la pared colónica requirieron tratamiento quirúrgico; el tipo y los resultados de la cirugía fueron los mismos en todos los grupos. La estancia hospitalaria global fue significativamente menor en el grupo A.LIMITACIONES:La principal limitación del estudio es su diseño retrospectivo.CONCLUSIONES:El cierre endoscópico con el uso de clips es un tratamiento seguro y factible para las lesiones de la pared colónica identificadas durante el procedimiento y se asocia con una disminución significativa de la necesidad de cirugía, morbilidad y de estancia hospitalaria. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B755.

Development and validation of a CT-based radiomics nomogram for preoperative prediction of tumor histologic grade in gastric adenocarcinoma

OBJECTIVES

To develop and validate a radiomics nomogram for preoperative prediction of tumor histologic grade in gastric adenocarcinoma (GA).

METHODS

This retrospective study enrolled 592 patients with clinicopathologically confirmed GA (low-grade: n=154; high-grade: n=438) from January 2008 to March 2018 who were divided into training (n=450) and validation (n=142) sets according to the time of computed tomography (CT) examination. Radiomic features were extracted from the portal venous phase CT images. The Mann-Whitney U test and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression model were used for feature selection, data dimension reduction and radiomics signature construction. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was applied to develop the prediction model. The radiomics signature and independent clinicopathologic risk factors were incorporated and presented as a radiomics nomogram. The performance of the nomogram was assessed with respect to its calibration and discrimination.

RESULTS

A radiomics signature containing 12 selected features was significantly associated with the histologic grade of GA (P<0.001 for both training and validation sets). A nomogram including the radiomics signature and tumor location as predictors was developed. The model showed both good calibration and good discrimination, in which C-index in the training set, 0.752 [95% confidence interval (95% CI): 0.701-0.803]; C-index in the validation set, 0.793 (95% CI: 0.711-0.874).

CONCLUSIONS

This study developed a radiomics nomogram that incorporates tumor location and radiomics signatures, which can be useful in facilitating preoperative individualized prediction of histologic grade of GA.

Endoscopic Equipment-From Simple to Advanced

Flexible endoscopic procedures, such as esophagogastroduodenoscopies and colonoscopies, allow for diagnosis and treatment of numerous gastrointestinal disorders. Advanced endoscopic procedures, such as endoscopic ultrasounds, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, and balloon enteroscopies, offer therapeutic options that are minimally invasive and effective. As technology advances, the equipment and tools in an endoscopist's armamentarium continue to grow. This article highlights key endoscopic equipment and supplies, from simple to advanced.

Endoscopic Management of Postoperative Complications

Gastrointestinal surgery is increasingly being performed. Despite improving technology and outcomes, complications are not completely avoidable. Frequently, surgical complications require invasive procedures for management. However, with increasing availability of flexible endoscopy and a wider array of tools, more often these complications can be managed with an endolumenal approach. This article is an in-depth review of endoscopic management of surgical complications.

Life on a knife edge: the optimal approach to the management of perforations during endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD)

INTRODUCTION

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is a well-established procedure that can provide curative resection of malignant and premalignant lesions endoscopically, thereby offering patients an effective non-operative option. Though ESD is safe and highly effective when performed in appropriately selected patients by an experienced ESD expert, it carries risks including intraprocedural and delayed perforation.

AREAS COVERED

This review provides a practical approach to the initial management of perforation to minimize subsequent complications. The importance of prompt recognition of perforation and early intervention cannot be overstated. This review summarizes indications for closure, anatomic considerations impacting closure, and closure techniques. This article also highlights the do's and don'ts of various closure devices, focusing particularly on advanced closure methods, the-over-the-scope clips (OTSCs) and endoscopic suturing.

EXPERT OPINION

As ESD offers surgery-sparing alternatives to patients, advanced closure techniques allow endoscopists to effectively and promptly manage associated complications, improving the possibility of the widespread implementation of ESD in the US. With continued improvements in OTSCs and endoscopic suturing, ESD will become a stalwart of endoscopic management of malignant and premalignant gastrointestinal lesions.

Use of omental patch and endoscopic closure technique as an alternative to surgery after endoscopic full thickness resection of gastric intestinal stromal tumors: A series of cases

BACKGROUND

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) originate from interstitial cells of Cajal. GISTs can occur anywhere along the gastrointestinal tract. Large lesions have traditionally been removed surgically. However, with recent innovations in advanced endoscopy, GISTs located within the stomach are now removed endoscopically. We describe a new innovative endoscopic technique to close large and hard to access defects after endoscopic full-thickness resection of gastric GISTs.

CASE SUMMARY

We present a series of three patients who were diagnosed with a gastric GIST. All patients underwent full-thickness endoscopic resection. In all cases, for closure of the surgical bed, conventional endoscopic techniques including hemoclips, endoloop and suturing were unsuccessful. We performed a new technique in which we pulled omental fat into the gastric lumen and completely closed the defect using endoscopic devices. All patients performed well post-procedure and computed tomography was carried out one day after the procedures which showed no extravasation of contrast.

CONCLUSION

The omental plug technique may be used as an alternative to surgery in selected cases of gastric perforation.

Sealing the hole: endoscopic management of acute gastrointestinal perforations

Acute perforations are one of the recognised complications of both diagnostic and therapeutic gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy. The incidence rate varies according to the type of procedure and the anatomical location within the GI tract. For decades, surgical treatment has been the standard of care, but endoscopic closure has become a more popular approach, due to feasibility and the reduction of the burden of surgery. Various devices are available now such as through-the-scope clips, over-the-scope clips, endoscopic suturing devices, stents, bands and omental patch. All have been tested in studies done on humans or animal models, with a reasonable overall technical and clinical success rate, proving efficiency and feasibility of endoscopic closure. The choice of which device to use depends on the site and the size of the perforation. It also depends on availability of thee device and the endoscopist's experience. A number of factors that could predict success of endoscopic closure or favour surgical treatment have been suggested in different studies. After successful endoscopic closure, patients are usually kept nil by mouth and receive antibiotics for a duration that varied between different studies.

Endoluminal closure of an unrecognized penetrating stab wound of the duodenum with endoscopic band ligation: A case report

BACKGROUND

A penetrating injury of a hollow viscus is an obvious indication for an exploratory laparotomy, but is not typically an indication for endoscopic treatment.

CASE SUMMARY

A 27-year-old man visited the emergency department with a self-inflicted abdominal stab wound. Injuries to the colon and ileum were detected, but an injury to the second portion of the duodenum was missed. On the day following admission to our institution, the patient became hemodynamically unstable with massive hematochezia, although there was no evidence of bleeding in the Levin tube or Jackson-Pratt drain. We thus performed an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and discovered a missed duodenal injury that was actively bleeding. An endoscopic band ligation was performed for hemostasis and closure of the perforation. The patient was subsequently discharged without any complications.

CONCLUSION

A penetrating injury of the duodenum can be overlooked, so careful abdominal exploration is very important. If a missed duodenal injury is suspected, a cautious endoscopic approach may be helpful.

Management of colonoscopic perforation: a systematic review and treatment algorithm

BACKGROUND

The aim of this review is to evaluate and summarize the current strategies used in the management of colonoscopic perforations as well as propose a modern treatment algorithm.

METHODS

Articles published between January 2004 and January 2019 were screened. A total of 167 reports were identified in combined literature search, of which 61 articles were selected after exclusion of duplicate and unrelated articles. Only studies that reported on the management of endoscopic perforation in an adult population were retrieved for review. Case reports and case series of 8 patients or less were not considered. Ultimately, 19 articles were considered eligible for review.

RESULTS

A total of 744 cases of colonoscopic perforations were reported in 19 major articles. The cause of perforation was mentioned in 16 articles. Colonoscopic perforations were reported as a consequence of diagnostic colonoscopies in 222 cases and therapeutic colonoscopies in 248 cases. The site of perforation was mentioned in 486 cases. Sigmoid colon was the predominant site followed by the cecum. The management of colonoscopic perforations was reported in a total of 741 patients. Surgical intervention was employed in 75% of the patients, of these 15% were laparoscopic and 85% required laparotomy. The predominant surgical intervention was primary repair.

CONCLUSION

Management strategies of colon perforations depend upon the etiology, size, severity, location, available expertise, and general health status. Usually, peritonitis, sepsis, or hemodynamic compromise requires immediate surgical management. Endoscopic techniques are under continuous evolution. Newer developments have offered high success rate with least amount of post-procedure complications. However, there is a need for further studies to compare the newer endoscopic techniques in terms of success rate, cost, complications, and the affected part of colon.

Purse-string sutures using novel endoloops and repositionable clips for the closure of large iatrogenic duodenal perforations with single-channel endoscope: a multicenter study

BACKGROUND

Serious complications due to perforation restrict the development of duodenal endoscopic treatment. The key stage for remediation is the successful endoscopic closure to prevent peritonitis and the need for surgical intervention. This report aimed to present a new simple method for the closure of large iatrogenic duodenal perforations with purse-string sutures using the novel endoloops and repositionable clips through a single-channel endoscope.

METHODS

A total of 23 patients with iatrogenic duodenal perforations ≥ 1 cm were retrospectively studied who were presently treated by purse-string sutures using the novel endoloops and the repositionable hemostasis clips with the single-channel endoscope at four institutes. During and after the procedure, a 20-gauge needle was used to relieve the pneumoperitoneum or subcutaneous emphysema. Finally, a gastroduodenal decompression tube was placed.

RESULTS

The median maximum diameter of iatrogenic duodenal perforations was 1.65 cm (range 1.0-3.0 cm). Complete endoscopic closure of all 23 perforations was achieved. No patient had severe complications such as peritonitis. The wounds were healed and no obvious duodenal stricture was observed in all cases after 3 months.

CONCLUSION

Purse-string sutures using the novel endoloops and repositionable endoclips through single-channel endoscope were feasible, effective and easy methods for the closure of large duodenal iatrogenic perforations.

Endoscopic management of perforations, leaks and fistulas

The endoscopic management armamentarium of gastrointestinal disruptions including perforations, leaks, and fistulas has slowly but steadily broadened in recent years. Previously limited to surgical or conservative medical management, innovations in advanced endoscopic techniques like natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) have paved the path towards development of endoscopic closure techniques. Early recognition of a gastrointestinal defect is the most important independent variable in determining successful endoscopic closure and patient outcome. Some devices including through the scope clips and stents have been well studied for other indications and have produced encouraging results in closure of gastrointestinal perforations, leaks and fistulas. Over the scope clips, endoscopic sutures, vacuum therapy, glue, and cardiac device occluders are other alternative techniques that can be employed for successful endoscopic closure.

Endoscopic Management of Esophageal Perforations: Who, When, and How?

Esophageal perforations can be spontaneous or iatrogenic. Although they are a rare occurrence, they are associated with a significant morbidity and mortality. Traditionally, management of esophageal perforation consisted of surgery. However, endoscopic management is now emerging as the primary treatment modality and is less invasive and morbid than surgery. Endoscopic modalities include through-the-scope clips (TTS), over-the-scope clips (OTSC), placement of covered stents, and suturing. Suturing can be used for primary closure of the perforation as well as anchoring of stents to prevent migration. Smaller defects (<2 cm) can be closed with clips (TTS or OTSC), whereas larger defects require a stent placement or suturing to achieve closure. If the perforation is associated with a mediastinal collection, drainage is mandatory and can be done via CT-guided percutaneous drainage, surgery, or endoscopic vacuum therapy.

New devices and techniques for endoscopic closure of gastrointestinal perforations

Gastrointestinal perforations, which need to be managed quickly, are associated with high morbidity and mortality. Treatments used to close these perforations range from surgery to endoscopic therapy. Nowadays, with the development of new devices and techniques, endoscopic therapy is becoming more popular. However, there are different indications and clinical efficacies between different methods, because of the diverse properties of endoscopic devices and techniques. Successful management also depends on other factors, such as the precise location of the perforation, its size and the length of time between the occurrence and diagnosis. In this study, we performed a comprehensive review of various devices and introduced the different techniques that are considered effective to treat gastrointestinal perforations. In addition, we focused on the different methods used to achieve successful closure, based on the literature and our clinical experiences.

Quick, safe and effective repair of EUS-related duodenal perforation using over-the-scope clip system (with video)

Duodenal perforation is a rare but potentially life-threating complication of bilio-pancreatic endoscopic-ultrasound (EUS) examination. Here we report a case of 90 yeas-old patient underwent to EUS with curvilinear ecoendoscope and complicated by duodenal wall perforation. As reported in our case, Over-the-scope clipping system represents a quick, safe and effective approach in order close the leak and prevent further complication.

Endoscopic Closure for Full-Thickness Gastrointestinal Defects: Available Applications and Emerging Innovations

Full-thickness gastrointestinal defects such as perforation, anastomotic leak, and fistula are severe conditions caused by various types of pathologies. They are more likely to require intensive care and a long hospital stay and have high rates of morbidity and mortality. After intentional full-thickness opening of hollow organs for natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery, safe and secure closure is urgently required. The currently available advanced endoscopic closing techniques have a major role in the treatment of full-thickness gastrointestinal defects. Appropriate usage of these techniques requires taking into account their advantages and limitations during practical application. We reviewed the available endoscopic modalities, including endoscopic clips, stents, vacuum-assisted closure, gap filling, and suturing devices, discussed their advantages and limitations when treating full-thickness gastrointestinal defects, and explored emerging innovations, including a novel endoluminal surgical platform for versatile suturing and a cell-laden scaffold for effective gap filling. Although these emerging technologies still require further pre-clinical and clinical trials to assess their feasibility and efficacy, the available modalities may be replaced and refined by these new techniques in the near future.

Management of a large mucosal defect after duodenal endoscopic resection

Duodenal endoscopic resection is the most difficult type of endoscopic treatment in the gastrointestinal tract (GI) and is technically challenging because of anatomical specificities. In addition to these technical difficulties, this procedure is associated with a significantly higher rate of complication than endoscopic treatment in other parts of the GI tract. Postoperative delayed perforation and bleeding are hazardous complications, and emergency surgical intervention is sometimes required. Therefore, it is urgently necessary to establish a management protocol for preventing serious complications. For instance, the prophylactic closure of large mucosal defects after endoscopic resection may reduce the risk of hazardous complications. However, the size of mucosal defects after endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is relatively large compared with the size after endoscopic mucosal resection, making it impossible to achieve complete closure using only conventional clips. The over-the-scope clip and polyglycolic acid sheets with fibrin gel make it possible to close large mucosal defects after duodenal ESD. In addition to the combination of laparoscopic surgery and endoscopic resection, endoscopic full-thickness resection holds therapeutic potential for difficult duodenal lesions and may overcome the disadvantages of endoscopic resection in the near future. This review aims to summarize the complications and closure techniques of large mucosal defects and to highlight some directions for management after duodenal endoscopic treatment.

Application of novel endoloops to close the defects resulted from endoscopic full-thickness resection with single-channel gastroscope: a multicenter study

BACKGROUND

The key step of the endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR) procedure is the successful closure of any gastric wall defect which ultimately avoids surgical intervention. This report presents a new method of closing large gastric defects left after EFTR, using metallic clips and novel endoloops by means of single-channel endoscope.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 68 patients who were treated for gastric fundus gastrointestinal stromal tumors originating from the muscularis propria layer at four institutes between April 2014 and February 2015 and consequently underwent EFTR. The large gastric post-EFTR defects were completely closed with metallic clips and novel endoloops using single-channel endoscope, and all the patients were discharged with subsequent endoscopic and clinical follow-up. Patient characteristics, tumor size, en bloc resection rate, closure operation time, and postoperative adverse events were evaluated.

RESULTS

EFTR was successfully performed on 68 patients [41 male (60 %), 27 female (40 %); median age 61 years, range 38-73], and the en bloc resection rate was 100 %. Complete closure of all the gastric post-EFTR defects was achieved (success rate 100 %). The mean closure operation time was 13 min (range 9-21 min). The mean maximum size of the lesions was 2.6 cm (range 2.0-3.5 cm). One Mallory-Weiss syndrome and one delayed bleeding were resolved with nonsurgical treatment. The wounds were healed in all cases 1 month after the procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of metallic clips and novel endoloops with single-channel endoscope is a relatively safe, easy, and feasible method for repairing large gastric post-EFTR defects.

Management of non-acute gastrointestinal defects using the over-the-scope clips (OTSCs): a retrospective single-institution experience

INTRODUCTION

Advanced endoscopic techniques provide novel therapies for complications historically treated with surgical interventions. Over-the-scope clips (OTSCs) have recently been shown to be effective at endoscopic closure of gastrointestinal (GI) defects. We hypothesize that by following classic surgical principles of fistula management, a high rate of long-term success can be achieved with endoscopic closure of non-acute GI tract defects.

METHODS

A retrospective review of a single-institution prospectively maintained database (2012-2015) of all patients referred for the management of GI leaks or fistulae who underwent attempted closure with the OTSC system (Ovesco, Germany) was performed. Acute perforations were excluded. The primary endpoint was long-term success defined by the absence of radiographic or clinical evidence of leak or fistula during follow-up. Patients were stratified by success or failure of OTSC closure and compared with Fisher's exact and Mann-Whitney U tests.

RESULTS

We identified 22 patients with 28 defects (22 fistulae and 6 leaks). Most patients were female (59 %) with a mean age of 54 years (±14), median BMI of 29, and prior bariatric procedure (55 %). Comorbidities included smoking history (68 %) and diabetes (23 %). The majority of defects were solitary (64 %), involved the upper GI tract (82 %), and had been present for >30 days (50 %). Multiple therapeutic interventions were necessary in 46 % of defects. There were no adverse outcomes related to OTSC placement or misfiring. Endoscopic adjuncts were used in 61 % of cases. Overall success rate was 82 % (100 % for leaks and 76 % for fistulae) at a median follow-up of 4.7 months (IQR 2.1-8.4 months). Predictors of success and failure could not be distinguished due to limited sample size.

CONCLUSIONS

Over-the-scope clips can be safely and effectively used in patients presenting with GI leaks and fistulae. Further research is required to characterize the determinants of long-term success and risk factors for failure.

Comprehensive management of full-thickness luminal defects: The next frontier of gastrointestinal endoscopy

Full thickness gastrointestinal defects such as perforations, leaks, and fistulae are a relatively common result of many of the endoscopic and surgical procedures performed in modern health care. As the number of these procedures increases, so too will the number of resultant defects. Historically, these were all treated by open surgical means with the associated morbidity and mortality. With the recent advent of advanced endoscopic techniques, these defects can be treated definitively while avoiding an open surgical procedure. Here we explore the various techniques and tools that are currently available for the treatment of gastrointestinal defects including through the scope clips, endoscopic suturing devices, over the scope clips, sealants, endoluminal stents, endoscopic suction devices, and fistula plugs. As fistulae represent the most recalcitrant of defects, we focus this editorial on a multimodal approach of treatment. This includes optimization of nutrition, treatment of infection, ablation of tracts, removal of foreign bodies, and treatment of distal obstructions. We believe that by addressing all of these factors at the time of attempted closure, the patient is optimized and has the best chance at long-term closure. However, even with all of these factors addressed, failure does occur and in those cases, endoscopic therapies may still play a role in that they allow the patient to avoid a definitive surgical therapy for a time while nutrition is optimized, and infections are addressed.

New devices and techniques for handling adverse events: claw, suture, or cover?

Increasingly invasive therapeutic endoscopic procedures and laparoscopic surgeries have resulted in endoscopists being challenged more frequently with perforations, fistulas, and anastomotic leakages, for which nonsurgical closure is desired. Devices and techniques are available and in development for endoscopic closure of gastrointestinal wall defects. Currently available devices with excellent clinical success rates include the over-the-scope clip and an endoscopic suturing system. Another device, the cardiac septal defect occluder, has been adapted for use in the gastrointestinal tract. Extensive endoscopic knowledge, a highly trained endoscopy team, and the availability of devices and equipment are required to manage complications endoscopically.

Closing perforations and postperforation management in endoscopy: duodenal, biliary, and colorectal

Early recognition of adverse events arising from endoscopy is essential. In some cases the injury can be viewed clearly during the procedure, and immediate action should be taken to repair the defect endoscopically if feasible. If perforation is unclear, imaging can be used to confirm the diagnosis. Surgical intervention is not always necessary; however, a surgical consultation for backup is essential. Selective cases can be managed conservatively or endoscopically with successful outcomes. Early recognition and intervention, input from specialist colleagues, and communication with the patient and family are keys to successfully managing the event.