Clipping Over the Scope for Recurrent Peptic Ulcer Bleeding is Cost-Effective as Compared to Standard Therapy: An Initial Assessment

The use of cap-mounted clips as a primary hemostatic modality in nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials

BACKGROUND

Cap-mounted-clips, especially Over-The-Scope-Clip (OTSC™), are recommended for recurrent nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (NVUGIB). There has been recent interest in their use as an initial hemostatic modality. We performed a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing cap-mounted clips' efficacy as a primary hemostatic modality in NVUGIB.

METHODS

A literature search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and ISI Web of Science databases up to April 2024 identified RCTs comparing cap-mounted clips to standard endoscopic therapy (SET) as a primary hemostatic modality in NVUGIB. The primary endpoint was the composite outcome of further bleeding (persistent or recurrent) at 30 days. Secondary outcomes included persistent bleeding at index endoscopy and 30-day rebleeding, individually. Other pertinent outcomes were also recorded. A meta-analysis was performed to determine pooled risk ratios (RRs), comparing cap-mounted clip to SET. Out of 516 citations, five RCTs (n = 555), all assessing OTSC™, were included.

RESULTS

The composite outcome of further bleeding was lower with cap-mounted clip versus SET (RR = 0.33 [95% confidence interval {CI}: 0.20-0.54]). There was no difference in persistent bleeding at initial endoscopy (RR = 0.30 [95% CI: 0.07-1.30]), but 30-day rebleeding was lower with cap-mounted clip (RR = 0.38 [95% CI: 0.21-0.70]). There were no differences in other outcomes. Grading of the evidence ranged from very low to moderate, mainly due to risk of bias and imprecision.

CONCLUSIONS

Cap-mounted clips may be an efficacious primary hemostatic modality, associated with a lower further bleeding at 30 days compared to SET in NVUGIB. However, due to limitations in existing evidence, further research must better characterize an optimal subgroup of patients benefiting most from this approach before adopting its routine use.

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.