Emerging technologies for endoscopic hemostasis

Endoscopic devices and techniques for the management of gastric varices (with videos)

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Gastric variceal bleeding occurs less commonly than bleeding from esophageal varices (EVs), although it is associated with higher morbidity and mortality. Bleeding from gastroesophageal varices type 1 (GOV1) is treated like EVs. In contrast, other forms of gastric variceal bleeding, including gastroesophageal varices type 2 (GOV2) and isolated gastric varices types 1 (IGV1) and 2 (IGV2), are treated with varying endoscopic approaches. Nonendoscopic methods include transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) or balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (BRTO). This technology report focuses on endoscopic management of gastric varices (GVs).

METHODS

The MEDLINE database was searched through August 2022 for relevant articles by using key words such as gastric varices, glue, cyanoacrylate, thrombin, sclerosing agents, band ligation, topical hemostatic spray, coils, EUS, TIPS, and BRTO. The article was drafted, reviewed, and edited by the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) Technology Committee and approved by the Governing Board of the ASGE.

RESULTS

Endoscopic injection with cyanoacrylate (CYA) glue has been the primary endoscopic method to treat GVs. EUS-guided angiotherapy with CYA glue and coil embolization has emerged as an alternative method enabling improved detection of GVs with a high technical success for targeting and obliterating GVs. Combining CYA glue with coil therapy allows the coil to act as a scaffold for the glue, reducing the risk of glue embolization and improving outcomes. Alternative injectates or topical treatments have been described but remain poorly studied.

CONCLUSIONS

The mainstay paradigm for the endoscopic management of gastric variceal bleeding is the injection of CYA glue. The published success of EUS-guided angiotherapy using CYA glue with or without embolization coils has increased our treatment armamentarium.

Safety and Efficacy of Sedation During Emergency Endoscopy for Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding: A Propensity Score Matching Analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIM

This study aimed to compare patients with and without sedation during emergency endoscopy for upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) and to clarify the safety and efficacy of sedation in emergency endoscopy.

METHODS

We retrospectively collected 389 patients who underwent emergency endoscopy for UGIB at Ureshino Medical Center from 2016 to 2021. Patients were divided into two groups: sedation group during emergency endoscopy and nonsedation group. Clinical characteristics, patient status on admission, and UGIB etiology were evaluated. Treatment outcomes and adverse events were evaluated using propensity score matching (PSM), and risk factors for mortality from UGIB were investigated using Cox multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

The sedation group was significantly younger, composed of a higher proportion of males, and had chronic liver disease. Blood pressure and hemoglobin level on admission were significantly higher in the sedation group. The main cause of bleeding was peptic ulcer, which was significantly higher in the nonsedation group. PSM created 133 matched pairs. The success rate of endoscopic hemostasis was similar in both groups, and procedure time was significantly shorter in the sedation group than in the nonsedation group (17.6 ± 10.0 versus 20.2 ± 10.2 min, P = 0.04). There were no significant differences in adverse events between groups. Cox multivariate analyses revealed that red blood cell transfusion [hazard ratio (HR) 4.45, P < 0.02] and rebleeding (HR 3.30, P = 0.03) were associated with increased risk of 30-day mortality from UGIB.

CONCLUSIONS

Sedation reduced the procedure time during emergency endoscopy for UGIB. Sedation during emergency endoscopy for UGIB is acceptable for safe endoscopic procedures.

A Unique Case of Recurrent Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding Caused by Two Metachronous Dieulafoy's Lesions: The Role of EUS Evaluation

Introduction

Dieulafoy's lesion (DL) is a rare but important cause of acute, severe, life-threatening, and recurrent upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB). It is frequently difficult to diagnose DL with upper GI endoscopy (UGIE), and endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) may be valuable. There are only 2 reported bleeding cases caused by two synchronous DL but no reported cases of two metachronous DL.

Case Report

A 28-year-old healthy male presented with acute severe UGIB. UGIE was inconclusive. Systematic EUS mapping identified a gastric DL. After several attempts of EUS-guided hemostasis, DL was marked using a through-the-scope clip and the patient underwent successful transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE). Three years later, a new severe UGIB episode was caused by a second gastric DL in a different location, which was identified and marked by EUS and further successfully treated through TAE. The patient maintained follow-up without evidence of further bleeding.

Discussion/Conclusion

The authors report a unique case of severe, recurrent UGIB caused by two metachronous gastric DL lesions. The importance of systematic EUS scanning for diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of DL is emphasized, as well as the potential influence in the outcome of other techniques like angiographic embolization.

The Efficacy and Safety of Hemospray for the Management of Gastrointestinal Bleeding: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

GOALS/BACKGROUND

Hemospray is a new hemostatic powder recently approved for endoscopic hemostasis in gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. Data are limited in terms of its clinical outcomes, and its role in the treatment algorithm of GI bleeds. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to study the clinical performance of Hemospray in the management of GI bleeding.

STUDY

We searched multiple databases from inception through March 2019 to identify studies that reported on the clinical outcomes of Hemospray in GI bleeding. The primary outcome was pooled rates of clinical success after the application of Hemospray in GI bleeding. The secondary outcomes were pooled rebleeding rates and adverse events after use of Hemospray.

RESULTS

A total of 19 studies, 814 patients, of which 212 patients were treated with Hemospray as monotherapy, and 602 patients were treated with Hemospray with conventional hemostatic techniques. Overall pooled clinical success after the application of Hemospray was 92% [95% confidence interval (95% CI), 87%-96%; I2=70.4%]. Overall pooled early rebleeding rates after application of Hemospray was 20% (95% CI, 16%-26%; I2=54%). Overall pooled delayed rebleeding rates after the application of Hemospray was 23% (95% CI, 16%-31%; I2=34.9%). There was no statistical difference in clinical success (RR, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.96-1.08; P=0.34) and early rebleeding (RR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.75-1.07; P=0.214) in studies that compared the use of Hemospray as monotherapy versus combination therapy with conventional therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Hemospray is highly effective in achieving immediate hemostasis in gastrointestinal bleeding. However, due to significantly high rebleeding rates, Hemospray is not suited for definitive long-term therapy.

Endoscopic clipping for gastrointestinal bleeding: emergency and prophylactic indications

Endoscopic clipping has become a common practice among endoscopists. Several models are available, most frequently being introduced via the working channel of the endoscope (through-the-scope); however, larger clips can also be mounted onto the distal tip of the endoscope (over-the-scope). The main indications for endoclip placement include providing effective mechanical hemostasis for bleeding lesions and allowing endoscopic closure of gastrointestinal perforations. Endoclips can also be used prophylactically after endoscopic resection; however, this practice is still controversial. This review discusses the main indications for endoscopic clipping in the esophagus, stomach, duodenum and colon to manage acute bleeding lesions, and the criteria to be used in the prevention of delayed post-polypectomy bleeding.

Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Treatment of Gastric Varices Using Coils and Cyanoacrylate Glue Injections: Results after 1 Year of Experience

Background and Aims: Gastric varices (GVs) occur in 20% of patients with portal hypertension. GVs are associated with a 65% risk of bleeding over the course of 2 years and have a mortality rate of up to 20%. The standard treatment for GVs is obliteration with cyanoacrylate (CYA). This study presents our experience with combined therapy (vascular coils and CYA) under endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) guidance. Methods: 16 patients (9 male and 7 female) were included into our study. Etiology of portal hypertension included: portal vein thrombosis (PVT) (31.0%), isolated splenic vein thrombosis (SVT) (25.0%), alcoholic cirrhosis (12.5%), hepatitis C cirrhosis (19.0%), and alcoholic cirrhosis with PVT (12.5%). Varices type GOV-2 were diagnosed in 8 patients, type IGV-1 and IGV-2 in 6 and 2 patients, respectively. Indications for treatment were based on endoscopic and endosonographic evaluations of GVs. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were also specified. Technique depended on the size of varices (different size of coils + CYA additionally). The results were based on the achievement of technical success, therapeutic effects, and number of adverse events. Average follow-up period was 327 days. Results: From January to August 2017, 16 patients were treated with EUS-guided obliteration of GVs using vascular coils only or coils with CYA injections. 6 (37.5%) and 10 (62.5%) patients underwent primary and secondary prophylaxis for hemorrhage, respectively. Technical success was achieved in 15 patients (94.0%). Mean numbers of implanted coils and CYA volume during one procedure were 1.7 and 2 mL, respectively. Therapeutic success was achieved in all patients treated with the combination. There were no serious complications such as embolization or death due to the procedure. Three patients (19.0%) had transient abdominal pain and two (12.5%) had transient fever. 1 patient had clinical symptoms of gastrointestinal bleeding. Conclusions: Based on our retrospective research we have concluded, that EUS-guided implantation of intravascular coils combined with cyanoacrylate injections is an effective method of treatment with an acceptable number of complications.

Endoscopic Therapy for Acute Diverticular Bleeding

Diverticular bleeding accounts for approximately 26%–40% of the cases of lower gastrointestinal bleeding. Rupture of the vasa recta at the neck or dome of the diverticula can be the cause of this bleeding. Colonoscopy aids in not only the diagnosis but also the treatment of diverticular bleeding after a steady bowel preparation. Endoscopic hemostasis involves several methods, such as injection/thermal contact therapy, clipping, endoscopic band ligation (EBL), hemostatic powder, and over-the-scope clips. Each endoscopic method can provide a secure initial hemostasis. With regard to the clinical outcomes after an endoscopic treatment, the methods reportedly have no significant differences in the initial hemostasis and early recurring bleeding; however, EBL might prevent the need for transcatheter arterial embolization or surgery. In contrast, the long-term outcomes of the endoscopic treatments, such as a late bleeding and recurrent bleeding at 1 and 2 years, are not well known for diverticular bleeding. With regard to a cure for diverticular bleeding, there should be an improvement in both the endoscopic methods and the multilateral perspectives, such as diet, medicines, interventional approaches, and surgery.

Endoscopic Hemostasis for Non-Variceal Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding: New Frontiers

Non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (NVUGIB) refers to blood loss from the gastrointestinal tract proximal to the ligament of Treitz due to lesions that are non-variceal in origin. The distinction of the bleeding source as non-variceal is important in numerous aspects, but none more so than endoscopic approaches for successful hemostasis. When a patient presents with acute overt blood loss, NVUGIB is a medical emergency, which requires immediate intervention. There have been major strides in pharmacologic and endoscopic interventions for successful induction and remission of hemostasis in the last two decades. Despite achieving tangible improvements, the burden of the disease and the consequent mortality remain high. To address endoscopic outcomes better, several new technologies have emerged and have been subsequently incorporated to the armamentarium of hemostatic tools. This study aims to provide a succinct review on novel technologies for endoscopic hemostasis.

Devices for endoscopic hemostasis of nonvariceal GI bleeding (with videos)

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic intervention is often the first line of therapy for GI nonvariceal bleeding. Although some of the devices and techniques used for this purpose have been well studied, others are relatively new, with few available outcomes data.

METHODS

In this document, we review devices and techniques for endoscopic treatment of nonvariceal GI bleeding, the evidence regarding their efficacy and safety, and financial considerations for their use.

RESULTS

Devices used for endoscopic hemostasis in the GI tract can be classified into injection devices (needles), thermal devices (multipolar/bipolar probes, hemostatic forceps, heater probe, argon plasma coagulation, radiofrequency ablation, and cryotherapy), mechanical devices (clips, suturing devices, banding devices, stents), and topical devices (hemostatic sprays).

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic evaluation and treatment remains a cornerstone in the management of nonvariceal upper- and lower-GI bleeding. A variety of devices is available for hemostasis of bleeding lesions in the GI tract. Other than injection therapy, which should not be used as monotherapy, there are few compelling data that strongly favor any one device over another. For endoscopists, the choice of a hemostatic device should depend on the type and location of the bleeding lesion, the availability of equipment and expertise, and the cost of the device.

Basic training in digestive endoscopy for resident physicians in gastroenterology. Recommendations by the Sociedad Española de Endoscopia Digestiva (SEED)

Digestive endoscopy is the most effective tool available for the diagnosis of multiple gastrointestinal (GI) tract conditions, and it represents a key aspect in the training of gastroenterology residents according to the Spanish MIR (médico interno residente) program. The Sociedad Española de Endoscopia Digestiva (SEED), aware of all the technical advances that have emerged during the past few years, deems it necessary to define a program of the skills specialists-in-training in gastroenterology should acquire during their residency. This paper describes the goals of endoscopy training, the techniques that should be mastered, and the diagnostic and therapeutic skills this specialty requires. Finally, a model is suggested for the assessment of competence.

Thrombin@Fe3O4 nanoparticles for use as a hemostatic agent in internal bleeding

Bleeding remains one of the main causes of premature mortality at present, with internal bleeding being the most dangerous case. In this paper, magnetic hemostatic nanoparticles are shown for the first time to assist in minimally invasive treatment of internal bleeding, implying the introduction directly into the circulatory system followed by localization in the bleeding zone due to the application of an external magnetic field. Nanoparticles were produced by entrapping human thrombin (THR) into a sol-gel derived magnetite matrix followed by grinding to sizes below 200 nm and subsequent colloidization. Prepared colloids show protrombotic activity and cause plasma coagulation in in vitro experiments. We also show here using a model blood vessel that the THR@ferria composite does not cause systematic thrombosis due to low activity, but being concentrated by an external magnetic field with simultaneous fibrinogen injection accelerates local hemostasis and stops the bleeding. For instance, a model vessel system with circulating blood at the puncture of the vessel wall and the application of a permanent magnetic field yielded a hemostasis time by a factor of 6.5 shorter than that observed for the control sample. Biocompatibility of composites was tested on HELF and HeLa cells and revealed no toxic effects.

First-line endoscopic treatment with over-the-scope clips significantly improves the primary failure and rebleeding rates in high-risk gastrointestinal bleeding: A single-center experience with 100 cases

AIM

To evaluate rebleeding, primary failure (PF) and mortality of patients in whom over-the-scope clips (OTSCs) were used as first-line and second-line endoscopic treatment (FLET, SLET) of upper and lower gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB, LGIB).

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected database identified all patients with UGIB and LGIB in a tertiary endoscopic referral center of the University of Freiburg, Germany, from 04-2012 to 05-2016 (n = 93) who underwent FLET and SLET with OTSCs. The complete Rockall risk scores were calculated from patients with UGIB. The scores were categorized as < or ≥ 7 and were compared with the original Rockall data. Differences between FLET and SLET were calculated. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed to evaluate the factors that influenced rebleeding after OTSC placement.

RESULTS

Primary hemostasis and clinical success of bleeding lesions (without rebleeding) was achieved in 88/100 (88%) and 78/100 (78%), respectively. PF was significantly lower when OTSCs were applied as FLET compared to SLET (4.9% vs 23%, P = 0.008). In multivariate analysis, patients who had OTSC placement as SLET had a significantly higher rebleeding risk compared to those who had FLET (OR 5.3; P = 0.008). Patients with Rockall risk scores ≥ 7 had a significantly higher in-hospital mortality compared to those with scores < 7 (35% vs 10%, P = 0.034). No significant differences were observed in patients with scores < or ≥ 7 in rebleeding and rebleeding-associated mortality.

CONCLUSION

Our data show for the first time that FLET with OTSC might be the best predictor to successfully prevent rebleeding of gastrointestinal bleeding compared to SLET. The type of treatment determines the success of primary hemostasis or primary failure.

[Use of Hemospray® in post-sclerotherapy bleeding]

BACKGROUND

Hemospray® is a new device for endoscopic hemostasis used for non-variceal gastrointestinal bleeding. It enables hemostasis and platelet activation by increasing the concentration of clotting factors and forming a mechanical barrier on the wall of a bleeding vessel creating a mechanical plug at the site of bleeding. Within the main indications for use are: injuries with difficult endoscopic access, massive gastrointestinal bleeding, multiple bleeding sites, modification of the anatomy by previous endoscopic therapy, presence of coagulopathy, difficulty in having direct visualization or when it is impossible to have contact with the bleeding lesion. However, its use in children has not been approved yet by the FDA. There is a case report of an 11-month-old patient successfully treated with Hemospray® for non-variceal gastrointestinal bleeding.

CLINICAL CASE

We report the case of a 2-year-old female with acute liver failure and primary biliary cirrhosis with portal hypertension and bleeding after sclerotherapy. We analyzed the case to support new therapies for massive bleeding control in post-sclerotherapy esophageal ulcers.

CONCLUSIONS

The application showed to be safe without side effects. Using Hemospray® is an effective alternative in controlling gastrointestinal bleeding.

New Endoscopic Technologies and Procedural Advances for Endoscopic Hemostasis

Endoscopic interventions are first-line therapy for upper and lower gastrointestinal bleeding. Injection therapy in combination with a second endoscopic modality has reduced re-bleeding, need for surgery and mortality in non-variceal bleeding. For variceal bleeding endoscopic banding or cyanoacrylate injection techniques are recommended interventions. However, despite ease of application and general acceptance of these techniques, there is an ongoing re-bleeding rate associated with significant in-hospital mortality. We discuss current literature on new advances in endoscopic technologies and procedural techniques that have emerged to improve patient outcomes.

Endoscopic hemostasis state of the art - Nonvariceal bleeding

New endoscopic techniques for hemostasis in nonvariceal bleeding were introduced and known methods further improved. Hemospray and Endoclot are two new compounds for topical treatment of bleeding. Initial studies in this area have shown a good hemostatic effect, especially in active large scale oozing bleeding, e.g., tumor bleedings. For further evaluation larger prospective studies comparing the substanced with other methods of endoscopic hemostasis are needed. For localized active arterial bleeding primary injection therapy in the area of ​​bleeding as well as in the four adjacent quadrants offers a good method to reduce bleeding activity. The injection is technically easy to learn and practicable. After bleeding activity is reduced the bleeding source can be localized more clearly for clip application. Today many different through-the-scope (TTS) clips are available. The ability to close and reopen a clip can aid towards good positioning at the bleeding site. Even more important is the rotatability of a clip before application. Often multiple TTS clips are required for secure closure of a bleeding vessel. One model has the ability to use three clips in series without changing the applicator. Severe arterial bleeding from vessels larger than 2 mm is often unmanageable with these conventional methods. Here is the over-the-scope-clip system another newly available method. It is similar to the ligation of esophageal varices and involves aspiration of tissue into a transparent cap before closure of the clip. Thus a greater vascular occlusion pressure can be achieved and larger vessels can be treated endoscopically. Patients with severe arterial bleeding from the upper gastrointestinal tract have a very high rate of recurrence after initial endoscopic treatment. These patients should always be managed in an interdisciplinary team of interventional radiologist and surgeons.

Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Children

This article provides an overview of the evaluation and management of lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB) in children. The common etiologies at different ages are reviewed. Conditions with endoscopic importance for diagnosis or therapy include solitary rectal ulcer syndrome, polyps, vascular lesions, and colonic inflammation and ulceration. Diagnostic modalities for identifying causes of LGIB in children include endoscopy and colonoscopy, cross-sectional and nuclear medicine imaging, video capsule endoscopy, and enteroscopy. Pre-endoscopic preparation and decision-making unique to pediatrics is highlighted. The authors conclude with a summary of current and emerging therapeutic hemostatic techniques that can be used in pediatric patients.

[Endoscopic management of lower gastrointestinal bleeding]

Endoscopic hemostasis is the daily challenge that must be mastered by gastroenterologists. An emergency colonoscopy is the procedure of choice for lower gastrointestinal bleeding because of the diagnostic and therapeutic potential. Colonoscopy should be performed after oral preparation with 4-6 l polyethylene glycol solution within 12 h. In the case of massive hematochezia, colonoscopy without oral preparation employinga mechanical pump is possible and is not associated with a higher rate of complications. Many different endoscopic techniques are available (injection therapy, hemoclips, thermal coagulation, topical hemostatic substances). The suitable and most effective method must be chosen depending on the source of bleeding.

Antibacterial Activities of Ankaferd Hemostat (ABS) on Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli and Other Pathogens Significant in Foodborne Diseases

OBJECTIVE

Ankaferd hemostat (Ankaferd Blood Stopper®, ABS)-induced pharmacological modulation of essential erythroid proteins can cause vital erythroid aggregation via acting on fibrinogen gamma. Topical endoscopic ABS application is effective in the controlling of gastrointestinal (GI) system hemorrhages and/or infected GI wounds. Escherichia coli O157:H7, the predominant serotype of enterohemorrhagic E. coli, is a cause of both outbreaks and sporadic cases of hemorrhagic colitis. The aim of this study is to examine the effects of ABS on 6 different Shiga toxigenic E. coli serotypes including O26, O103, O104, O111, O145, and O157 and on other pathogens significant in foodborne diseases, such as Salmonella Typhimurium, Campylobacter jejuni, and Listeria monocytogenes, were also assessed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All strains were applied with different amounts of ABS and antimicrobial effect was screened. S. Typhimurium groups were screened for survival using the fluorescence in situ hybridization technique.

RESULTS

The relative efficacy of ABS solutions to achieve significant logarithmic reduction in foodborne pathogens E. coli O157:H7 and non-O157 serogroups and other emerging foodborne pathogens is demonstrated in this study. ABS has antibacterial effects.

CONCLUSION

Our present study indicated for the first time that ABS may act against E. coli O157:H7, which is a cause of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, hemolytic-uremic syndrome, and hemorrhagic colitis. The interrelationships between colitis, infection, and hemostasis within the context of ABS application should be further investigated in future studies.

[Hemospray: a novel therapeutic option in the management of acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding]

INTRODUCTION

Early endoscopic diagnosis and endoscopic therapy are very important in cases of acute gastrointestinal bleeding. Hemospray is an inorganic powder with hemostatic properties recently proposed for the treatment of acute gastrointestinal bleeding.

AIM

The aim of the authors was to report the first Hungarian experience obtained with Hemospray in patients with acute gastrointestinal bleeding.

METHOD

During a 14-month period 10 acute upper gastrointestinal bleeder patients were treated endoscopically with Hemospray in 11 settings. In 5 patients previous endoscopic hemostatic methods failed and in the remaining 5 patients Hemospray was administrated as a first-line therapy.

RESULTS

Primary hemostasis was achieved in 9 of the 10 patients treated with Hemospray. Two patients died during hospitalization (uncontrolled arterial bleeding in one patient and hepatic encephalopathy in the other one patient). Primary hemostasis and hemodynamic stability were achieved in each of the 4 patients who had thrombopenia.

CONCLUSIONS

Hemospray as a rescue therapy may ensure primary hemostasis in severe acute gastrointestinal bleeding even in cases with thrombopenia.

Wireless endoscopy in 2020: Will it still be a capsule?

Currently, the major problem of all existing commercial capsule devices is the lack of control of movement. In the future, with an interface application, the clinician will be able to stop and direct the device into points of interest for detailed inspection/diagnosis, and therapy delivery. This editorial presents current commercially-available new designs, European projects and delivery capsule and gives an overview of the progress required and progress that will be achieved -according to the opinion of the authors- in the next 5 year leading to 2020.

Efficacy of endoscopic ultrasound-guided hemostatic interventions for resistant nonvariceal bleeding

A subset of patients with nonvariceal gastrointestinal bleeding fail, or are unsuitable candidates for, endoscopic, radiologic, and surgical interventions. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided intervention might be effective in these patients. We performed EUS-guided hemostatic interventions for 17 patients with nonvariceal gastrointestinal bleeding from June 2003 through May 2014 who failed, or were unsuitable candidates for, additional therapies. Indications for treatment included gastrointestinal stromal tumors, colorectal vascular malformations, duodenal masses or polyps, Dieulafoy lesions, duodenal ulcers, rectally invasive prostate cancer, pancreatic pseudoaneurysms, ulcerated esophageal cancer, and ulceration after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. After the procedure, 88% of patients have had no further bleeding related to the treated lesion, over a median follow-up period of 12 months. EUS-guided hemostatic therapy therefore is feasible and useful for select patients with clinically severe, refractory, or recurrent nonvariceal gastrointestinal bleeding.

Achieving hemostasis and the risks associated with therapy

Acute gastrointestinal bleeding is a common cause for hospitalization. Endoscopic hemostasis plays a central role in the management of lesions with active bleeding or high-risk stigmata for rebleeding. The efficacy and safety of endoscopic hemostasis rely on the identification of lesions suitable for endoscopic therapy, selection of the appropriate hemostatic devices, attention to technique, and prompt recognition and management of procedure-related adverse events. In this article, practical applications of hemostatic devices and pitfalls related to endoscopic hemostasis are discussed.

Endoscopic haemostasis: an overview of procedures and clinical scenarios

Acute gastrointestinal bleeding is among the most urgent situations in daily gastroenterological practise. Endoscopy plays a key role in the diagnosis and treatment of such cases. Endoscopic haemostasis is probably the most important technical challenge that must be mastered by gastroenterologists. It is essential for both the management of acute gastrointestinal haemorrhage and the prevention of bleeding during high-risk endoscopic procedures. During the last decade, endoscopic haemostasis techniques and tools have grown in parallel with the number of devices available for endotherapy. Haemostatic powders, over-the-scope clips, haemostatic forceps, and other emerging technologies have changed daily practise and complement the standard available armamentarium (injectable, thermal, and mechanical therapy). Although there is a lack of strong evidence-based information on these procedures because of the difficulty in designing statistically powerful trials on this topic, physicians must be aware of all available devices to be able to choose the best haemostatic tool for the most effective procedure. We herein present an overview of procedures and clinical scenarios to optimise the management of gastrointestinal bleeding in daily practise.

New and emerging endoscopic therapies for gastrointestinal bleeding

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To highlight the most recent findings and results of new hemostatic agents for acute bleeding of the gastrointestinal tract of common and less common cause published in the past 12 months.

RECENT FINDINGS

New hemostatic agents have been tested and emerged as promising therapies for acute upper and lower gastrointestinal bleeding. These are hemostatic sprays, stents for variceal tamponade and devices for mechanical closure of the gut wall.

SUMMARY

Some of these devices are capable to definitively stop a bleeding, others are used as adjuvant to other techniques as bridge to other definitive treatments. All these devices have been tested recently; therefore, more trials are needed to better establish their efficacy and safety.

Polysaccharide hemostatic system for hemostasis management in colorectal endoscopic mucosal resection

BACKGROUND

A new polysaccharide hemostatic system (EndoClot(TM) ) was recently developed for bleeding control in gastrointestinal tract endoscopy; however, its efficacy and safety is not yet well established in colorectal endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR). The aim of the present study was to observe the bleeding control effect after EMR in the colorectum.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

EndoClot(TM) was applied immediately to mucosal defects after resection whether or not there was post-resection bleeding. Bleeding was monitored post-procedurally by clinical findings including positive stool occult blood test and by second-look endoscopy. Hemostasis, rebleeding rates and treatment-related complications were observed.

RESULTS

In total, 82 patients were enrolled, totaling 181 lesions. Among them, 20 lesions in 18 cases showed bleeding immediately after the procedure. Among them, two lesions were treated by combined hot biopsy forceps, and complete hemostasis was achieved in all cases without surgery. It took 1.1 min (0.4-2.1) tocarry out hemostasis treatment. Rebleeding with positive stool test and colonoscopy recurred in three of 18 patients with immediate post-procedural bleeding. In patients without immediate post-procedural bleeding, three patients were confirmed with delayed bleeding. No major adverse events of treatment or procedure-related serious adverse events were reported during a 30-day follow up. Colonoscopy was done in selected patients at 30 days and full recovery of mucosal defect was achieved in all cases.

CONCLUSION

Polysaccharide hemostatic system effectively achieves hemostasis in controlling and preventing EMR-related bleeding with the advantage of simple application; thus it might be a useful alternative in treating bleeding endoscopically.

A novel haemostatic powder delivery device applicable in minimally invasive surgery

Haemostatic powder is an effective solution commonly used in various open surgeries. However, there is no specific intra-abdominal delivery device for application of haemostatic powder at the bleeding site during minimally invasive surgery (MIS). In this study, design, construction and test of a novel powder delivery device were carried out. The device uses pressurized gas to deliver the haemostatic powder to the bleeding point. The effect of the gas pressure and the spraying distance on the geometry of the powder dispersion surface area was investigated and found to be significant. The findings indicate that the driving gas pressure range of 60-80 mmHg and the spraying distance range of 2-5 cm achieve the most concentrated powder dispersion surface area. Additionally, in vivo experiments confirmed the effectiveness of the device in live tissue.

Factors affecting the success of endoscopic treatment of sphincterotomy bleeding

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Endoscopic methods are effective in the control of endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) bleeding. Initial failure or recurrent bleeding may develop in some patients, which may require angiographic or surgical interventions. We aimed to determine the factors leading to failure of endoscopic treatment methods.

METHODS

Forty-six patients (1.37%) had endoscopic and/or clinically significant bleeding among a total of 3354 ESs (2998 primary, 356 re-ES) performed within 3 years. Forty-one patients (21 immediate, 20 late onset bleeding) underwent endoscopic treatment. Nineteen patients were treated initially by epinephrine injection and 22 with heat probe. The relation between demographic, laboratory parameters, presence of comorbidity, cholangitis, coagulopathy, and juxtapapillary diverticula, pre-cutting, type of ES, time and pattern of bleeding, treatment modality, the success and relapse of endoscopic treatment were evaluated.

RESULTS

The first method was successful in the treatment of bleeding in 18 patients with heat probe and epinephrine injection, each. Presence of cholangitis, coagulopathy and increased international normalized ratio (INR) levels were found to determine the success of first treatment method. Bleeding could be stopped in all of the patients either with initially preferred or combined methods. Five patients developed recurrent bleeding. Presence of cholangitis, coagulopathy, increased INR levels, low thrombocyte counts and performance of precutting were factors predicting recurrence. Both of the treatment methods were 100% effective in patients without coagulopathy and none of the patients developed recurrent bleeding.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment of ES bleeding in patients with high risks such as coagulopathy require new effective methods. Patients with coagulopathy must be carefully followed for the development of recurrent bleeding.