Endoscopic retreatment compared with surgery in patients with recurrent bleeding after initial endoscopic control of bleeding ulcers

Meta-analysis: Over-the-scope clips in patients at high risk of re-bleeding following upper gastrointestinal tract bleeding

BACKGROUND

Acute non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) is challenging in patients at high risk of re-bleeding in whom standard endoscopic treatment (ST) has limited effectiveness. Over-the-scope clips (OTSC) have shown promise in these patients although their precise role remains uncertain.

AIMS

To confirm the role of OTSC in patients with UGIB at high risk of re-bleeding.

METHODS

We systematically searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE and Embase from January 1st, 1970 to April 24, 2024 for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing OTSC and ST in acute non-variceal UGIB with high re-bleeding risk. The GRADE framework assessed evidence certainty, while trial sequential analysis (TSA) controlled random errors and evaluated conclusion validity.

RESULTS

We analysed four RCTs (319 patients); pooled risk ratio (RR) for clinical success at initial endoscopy favoured OTSC (RR = 1.30, 95% CI = 1.08-1.56, p = 0.006, I2 = 58%, moderate certainty of evidence). TSA showed the desired sample size was 410 and the cumulative Z curve crossing the trial sequential monitoring boundary. The pooled RR for re-bleeding within 30 days favoured OTSC (RR = 0.53, 95% CI = 0.30-0.94, p = 0.03, I2 = 0%, moderate certainty of evidence). There was no significant difference in 30-day mortality, or length of hospital or ICU stay.

CONCLUSIONS

Moderate certainty evidence supports OTSC as a superior initial treatment for acute non-variceal UGIB with high re-bleeding risk. Further large-scale studies are needed to confirm OTSCs' role by exploring other prognostic outcomes and assessing cost-effectiveness and potential complications.

Review article: Upper gastrointestinal bleeding - review of current evidence and implications for management

BACKGROUND

Acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) is a common emergency requiring hospital-based care. Advances in care across pre-endoscopic, endoscopic and post-endoscopic phases have led to improvements in clinical outcomes.

AIMS

To provide a detailed, evidence-based update on major aspects of care across pre-endoscopic, endoscopic and post-endoscopic phases.

METHODS

We performed a structured bibliographic database search for each topic. If a recent high-quality meta-analysis was not available, we performed a meta-analysis with random effects methods and odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals.

RESULTS

Pre-endoscopic management of UGIB includes risk stratification, a restrictive red blood cell transfusion policy unless the patient has cardiovascular disease, and pharmacologic therapy with erythromycin and a proton pump inhibitor. Patients with cirrhosis should be treated with prophylactic antibiotics and vasoactive medications. Tranexamic acid should not be used. Endoscopic management of UGIB depends on the aetiology. For peptic ulcer disease (PUD) with high-risk stigmata, endoscopic therapy, including over-the-scope clips (OTSCs) and TC-325 powder spray, should be performed. For variceal bleeding, treatment should be customised by severity and anatomic location. Post-endoscopic management includes early enteral feeding for all UGIB patients. For high-risk PUD, PPI should be continued for 72 h, and rebleeding should initially be evaluated with a repeat endoscopy. For variceal bleeding, high-risk patients or those with further bleeding, a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt can be considered.

CONCLUSIONS

Management of acute UGIB should include treatment plans for pre-endoscopic, endoscopic and post-endoscopic phases of care, and customise treatment decisions based on aetiology and severity of bleeding.

Similar Effect of Vonoprazan and Oral Proton Pump Inhibitors for Preventing Rebleeding in Cases of Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Objective The use of a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) reduces rebleeding and mortality in patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB). Vonoprazan is a novel oral agent with strong and sustained acid-inhibitory activity. We clarified the effect of vonoprazan compared with oral PPIs in such patients. Methods We analyzed the Diagnosis Procedure Combination database. The primary outcome was rebleeding, and secondary outcomes were in-hospital mortality and in-hospital mortality after rebleeding. Propensity score matching was performed to balance the comparison groups, and logistic regression analyses were used to compare the outcomes between vonoprazan and oral PPIs. Patients Patients on vonoprazan or oral PPIs who underwent endoscopic hemostasis for UGIB between 2014 and 2019 were included. Results We enrolled 78,964 patients, of whom 27,101 and 51,863 were prescribed vonoprazan and a PPI, respectively. After propensity score matching, the rebleeding rate of vonoprazan did not significantly differ from that of oral PPIs [6.4% vs. 6.1%; odds ratio (OR), 1.05; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.98-1.13]; similarly, the in-hospital mortality rate (1.4% vs. 1.5%; OR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.79-1.05) and in-hospital mortality after rebleeding (0.3% vs. 0.2%; OR, 1.09; 95% CI, 0.78-1.54) also did not significantly differ between the groups. The acquired findings were robust across dose-restricted analyses and several sensitivity analyses. Conclusion Rebleeding and in-hospital mortality risks in patients on vonoprazan were similar to those in patients on oral PPIs. Considering the higher cost of vonoprazan, oral PPIs might be an optimal oral agent as an acid-suppressive therapy in such patients.

Recurrent Gastrointestinal Bleeding in an Elderly Patient With Peptic Ulcer Disease: Successful Management Through Multidisciplinary Intervention and Close Monitoring

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) is a medical emergency with substantial morbidity and mortality worldwide. It is defined as bleeding originating in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract proximal to the ligament of Treitz and can be caused by various conditions, including peptic ulcers, gastritis, esophageal varices, Mallory-Weiss tears, and malignancies. Common complications include anemia, hemodynamic instability, perforation, and rebleeding. It is associated with high mortality and a poor prognosis, especially in high-risk populations. Management includes medical treatment, endoscopic intervention, endovascular arterial embolization, and surgery. We present an interesting case of an 87-year-old male with a history of duodenal ulcers who presented with a bleeding duodenal ulcer complicated by recurrent bleeding despite multiple hemostatic endoscopic interventions and arterial embolization. This case highlights the complexities involved in managing recurrent upper GI bleeding and emphasizes the significance of multidisciplinary approaches, timely interventions, and close monitoring.

[Gastrointestinal bleeding]

GASTROINTESTINAL BLEEDING

Gastrointestinal bleeding occurs frequently in clinical practice. The presence of gastrointestinal bleeding usually is suspected by typical clinical history and results of clinical examination and laboratory findings. Endoscopic treatment of gastrointestinal bleeding is associated with high success rates over 90%. Different techniques for endoscopic hemostasis are available and for most indications, a combination of two modalities is recommended. Endoscopic management of recurrent or persistent bleeding is technically more challenging and associated with increased mortality (up to 10%, especially in patients with high age and comorbidities). In this situation, endoscopic hemostasis using an over-the-scope clip has shown to be superior to standard treatment for recurrent peptic ulcer bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Recent studies also have shown superiority for first-line over-the-scope clip treatment of non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding in high-risk patients. In this review, management of gastrointestinal bleeding is summarized based on current guidelines and current literature.

Safety and efficacy of over-the-scope clips versus standard therapy for high-risk nonvariceal upper GI bleeding: systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Upper GI bleeding (UGIB) is a common condition associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Endoscopic hemostasis remains the mainstay of therapy and is mainly aimed at effective hemostasis and prevention of rebleeding. Lesions with high-risk stigmata can have rebleeding rates of as high as 26.3%. Rebleeding is associated with increased mortality and reduced success rates of endoscopic retreatment. The over-the-scope-clip (OTSC) is a device with widespread endoscopic indications including hemostasis for nonvariceal UGIB (NVUGIB). The current study presents a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing OTSCs versus standard therapy (STD) for NVUGIB.

METHODS

Multiple databases were searched through April 2022 for studies comparing OTSCs and STD for NVUGIBs. Primary outcomes were clinical success rates, rebleeding rates, and procedure times, and secondary outcomes were mortality rates and length of hospitalization. Meta-analysis was performed to determine pooled odds ratios to compare outcomes between the OTSC and STD groups.

RESULTS

Ten studies, including 4 randomized controlled trials, with 914 patients were included in the final analysis. Of patients with NVUGIB, 431 were treated with OTSCs and 483 with STD. Patients treated with OTSCs had an overall lower risk of 7-day (risk ratio [RR], .41; 95% confidence interval [CI], .24-.68; I2 = 0%) and 30-day rebleeding (RR, .46; 95% CI, .31-.65; I2 = 0%). Clinical success rates were higher with OTSCs compared with STD (RR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.06-1.75). Mean procedure time was shorter in the OTSC group by 6.62 minutes (95% CI, 2.58-10.67) versus the STD group (I2 = 84%). There was no statistically significant difference in terms of mortality between the OTSC and STD groups (RR, .55; 95% CI, .24-1.24; I2 = 0%). Length of hospitalization was comparable between both groups, with a pooled mean difference for OTSCs versus STD of .87 days (95% CI, -1.62 to 3.36 days; I2 = 71%).

CONCLUSIONS

Although our study was limited to high-risk NVUGIB, our analysis showed that hemostasis with OTSCs is associated with a lower 7-day and 30-day rebleeding rates, higher clinical success rates, and shorter procedure time with similar mortality rates and length of hospital stay as compared with STD.

Incidence and risk factors for rebleeding after emergency endoscopic hemostasis for marginal ulcer bleeding

BACKGROUND

Marginal ulcer bleeding is a cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding, but the efficacy of emergency endoscopic hemostasis and risk factors for rebleeding have not been fully explored. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the rebleeding rate and risk factors after emergency endoscopic hemostasis for marginal ulcer bleeding.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study of 105 patients who underwent emergency endoscopic hemostasis due to marginal ulcer bleeding from January 2015 to July 2021. Patients included in this study were divided into rebleeding and non-rebleeding groups.

RESULTS

Among the 105 patients, 15.2% (16/105) patients developed rebleeding within 30 days after endoscopic hemostasis, and 87.5% of the patients had rebleeding within 7 days. The mean age of these patients was 60.3 ± 12.3 years, and 95 of them were male. In the univariate analysis, an ulcer size ≥10 mm, a PLT count <100 × 10^9/L and an AIMS65 score ≥2 were risk factors for rebleeding. According to the multivariable analysis, an ulcer size ≥10 mm (OR: 3.715; 95% CIs: 1.060-14.250; p = 0.043) and a PLT count <100 × 10^9/L (OR: 4.480; 95% CIs: 1.099-18.908; p = 0.035) were independent risk factors for rebleeding.

CONCLUSION

Emergency endoscopic hemostasis is an effective treatment for marginal ulcer bleeding. An ulcer size ≥10 mm and a PLT count <100 × 10^9/L were independent risk factors for rebleeding within 30 days after endoscopic hemostasis for marginal ulcer bleeding.

Scheduled second look endoscopy after endoscopic hemostasis to patients with high risk bleeding peptic ulcers: a Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

The recommendation of second look endoscopy (SLOGD) in selected patients at high risk for rebleeding has been inconclusive. This study aimed to evaluate the benefit of SLOGD in selected patients predicted at high risk of recurrent bleeding.

METHODS

From a cohort of 939 patients with bleeding peptic ulcers who underwent endoscopic hemostasis, we derived a 9-point risk score (age > 60, Male, ulcer ≥ 2 cm in size, posterior bulbar or lesser curve gastric ulcer, Forrest I bleeding, haemoglobin < 8 g/dl) to predict recurrent bleeding. We then validated the score in another cohort of 1334 patients (AUROC 0.77). To test the hypothesis that SLOGD in high-risk patients would improve outcomes, we did a randomized controlled trial to compare scheduled SLOGD with observation alone in those predicted at high risk of rebleeding (a score of ≥ 5). The primary outcome was clinical bleeding within 30 days of the index bleed.

RESULTS

Of 314 required, we enrolled 157 (50%) patients (SLOGD n = 78, observation n = 79). Nine (11.8%) in SLOGD group and 14 (18.2%) in observation group reached primary outcome (absolute difference 6.4%, 95% CI - 5.0% to 17.8%). Twenty-one of 69 (30.4%) patients who underwent SLOGD needed further endoscopic treatment. No surgery for bleeding control was needed. There were 6 vs. 3 of 30-day deaths in either group (p = 0.285, log rank). No difference was observed regarding blood transfusion and hospitalization.

CONCLUSIONS

In this aborted trial that enrolled patients with bleeding peptic ulcers at high-risk of recurrent bleeding, scheduled SLOGD did not significantly improve outcomes.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov:NCT02352155.

Clinical Guideline Highlights for the Hospitalist: Management of Upper Gastrointestinal and Ulcer Bleeding

American College of Gastroenterology: Upper Gastrointestinal and Ulcer Bleeding RELEASE DATE: May 1, 2021 PRIOR VERSION(S): March 1, 2012 DEVELOPER: American College of Gastroenterology Practice Parameters Committee FUNDING SOURCE: American College of Gastroenterology TARGET POPULATION: Adult patients with overt upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

XXXXXXX ÜNİVERSİTESİ TIP FAKÜLTESİ ACİL SERVİSİNE AKUT ÜST GASTROİNTESTİNAL SİSTEM KANAMASI İLE BAŞVURAN HASTALARIN ANALİZİ

Amaç Gastrointestinal sistem kanamalar hastanelerde acil serviste sıkça karşılaşılan ve hayatı tehdit etme potansiyeli yüksek olan bir sağlık sorunudur. Acil servisimize başvuran ve üst gastrointestinal sistem kanama tanısı alan hastalardaki etiyolojik sebepleri, klinik bulguları, endoskopik bulguları ve prognozu belirlemek için bu çalışmayı planladık. Materyal ve Metod Üst gastrointestinal sistem kanaması nedeniyle XXXXXX Hastanesi Acil Servisi’ne başvuran hastaların dosyaları retrospektif olarak incelendi. Çalışmaya alınan 31 hastanın demografik verileri, klinik özellikleri, etiyolojik sebepleri, laboratuvar ve endoskopi sonuçları incelendi. İstatistiksel değerlendirmede Student t ve Oneway ANOVA testi ve SPSS 20.0 paket programı kullanıldı. İstatistiksel olarak p

Acute gastrointestinal bleeding: proposed study outcomes for new randomised controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Acute gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) remains a common cause of hospitalisation. However, interpretation and comparisons of published studies in GIB have been hampered by disparate study methodology.

AIMS

To make recommendations about outcome measures to be used in future randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of patients with acute bleeding from any GI source (nonvariceal UGI, variceal, small bowel, or colon) and suggest new RCTs in acute GIB for future peer-reviewed funding.

METHODS

As part of a National Institutes of Health conference entitled "Hemostatic Outcomes in Clinical Trials", a group of GIB experts performed targeted critical reviews of available evidence with the goal of proposing a bleeding outcome that could potentially be applied to different disciplines. In addition, the panel sought to develop a clinically meaningful primary endpoint specifically for acute GIB, potentially allowing a more contemporary regrouping of clinically relevant outcomes.

RESULTS

The primary endpoint proposed was a composite outcome of further bleeding within 30 days after randomisation leading to red blood cell transfusion, urgent intervention (repeat endoscopy; interventional radiology or surgery), or death. Secondary outcomes may include the individual components of the primary outcome, length of hospitalisation, serious adverse events, and health care resource utilisation.

CONCLUSION

The proposed endpoint may help move the GIB field forward by focusing on the most clinically relevant outcomes for patients with acute GIB of all types and informing study design and importance of sample size determination for future RCTs in GIB.

Endotherapy for Nonvariceal Upper Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage

Nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage (NVUGIH) is a common GI emergency with significant morbidity and mortality. Triaging cases on the basis of patient-related factors, restrictive blood transfusion strategy, and hemodynamic stabilization are key initial steps for the management of patients with NVUGIH. Endoscopy remains a vital step for both diagnosis and definitive management. Multiple studies and guidelines have now defined the optimum timing for performing the endoscopy after hospitalization, to better the outcome. Conventional methods for achieving endoscopic hemostasis, such as injection therapy, contact, and noncontact thermal therapy, and mechanical therapy, such as through-the-scope clips, have reported to have 76 to 90% efficacy for primary hemostasis. Newer modalities to enhance hemostasis rates have come in vogue. Many of these modalities, such as cap-mounted clips, coagulation forceps, and hemostatic powders have proved to be efficacious in multiple studies. Thus, the newer modalities are recommended not only for management of persistent bleed and recurrent bleed after failed initial hemostasis, using conventional modalities but also now being advocated for primary hemostasis. Failure of endotherapy would warrant radiological or surgical intervention. Some newer tools to optimize endotherapy, such as endoscopic Doppler probes, for determining flow in visible or underlying vessels in ulcer bleed are now being evaluated. This review is focused on the technical aspects and efficacy of various endoscopic modalities, both conventional and new. A synopsis of the various studies describing and comparing the modalities have been outlined. Postendoscopic management including Helicobacter pylori therapy and starting of anticoagulants and antiplatelets have also been outlined.

ACG Clinical Guideline: Upper Gastrointestinal and Ulcer Bleeding

We performed systematic reviews addressing predefined clinical questions to develop recommendations with the GRADE approach regarding management of patients with overt upper gastrointestinal bleeding. We suggest risk assessment in the emergency department to identify very-low-risk patients (e.g., Glasgow-Blatchford score = 0-1) who may be discharged with outpatient follow-up. For patients hospitalized with upper gastrointestinal bleeding, we suggest red blood cell transfusion at a threshold of 7 g/dL. Erythromycin infusion is suggested before endoscopy, and endoscopy is suggested within 24 hours after presentation. Endoscopic therapy is recommended for ulcers with active spurting or oozing and for nonbleeding visible vessels. Endoscopic therapy with bipolar electrocoagulation, heater probe, and absolute ethanol injection is recommended, and low- to very-low-quality evidence also supports clips, argon plasma coagulation, and soft monopolar electrocoagulation; hemostatic powder spray TC-325 is suggested for actively bleeding ulcers and over-the-scope clips for recurrent ulcer bleeding after previous successful hemostasis. After endoscopic hemostasis, high-dose proton pump inhibitor therapy is recommended continuously or intermittently for 3 days, followed by twice-daily oral proton pump inhibitor for the first 2 weeks of therapy after endoscopy. Repeat endoscopy is suggested for recurrent bleeding, and if endoscopic therapy fails, transcatheter embolization is suggested.

Towards personalised management for non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding

Guidelines from national and international professional societies on upper gastrointestinal bleeding highlight the important clinical issues but do not always identify specific management strategies pertaining to individual patients. Optimal treatment should consider the personal needs of an individual patient and the pertinent resources and experience available at the point of care. This article integrates international guidelines and consensus into three stages of management: pre-endoscopic assessment and treatment, endoscopic evaluation and haemostasis and postendoscopic management. We emphasise the need for personalised management strategies based on patient characteristics, nature of bleeding lesions and the clinical setting including available resources.

Endoscopic diagnosis and management of nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage (NVUGIH): European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) Guideline - Update 2021

1: ESGE recommends in patients with acute upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage (UGIH) the use of the Glasgow-Blatchford Score (GBS) for pre-endoscopy risk stratification. Patients with GBS ≤ 1 are at very low risk of rebleeding, mortality within 30 days, or needing hospital-based intervention and can be safely managed as outpatients with outpatient endoscopy.Strong recommendation, moderate quality evidence. 2: ESGE recommends that in patients with acute UGIH who are taking low-dose aspirin as monotherapy for secondary cardiovascular prophylaxis, aspirin should not be interrupted. If for any reason it is interrupted, aspirin should be re-started as soon as possible, preferably within 3-5 days.Strong recommendation, moderate quality evidence. 3: ESGE recommends that following hemodynamic resuscitation, early (≤ 24 hours) upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy should be performed. Strong recommendation, high quality evidence. 4: ESGE does not recommend urgent (≤ 12 hours) upper GI endoscopy since as compared to early endoscopy, patient outcomes are not improved. Strong recommendation, high quality evidence. 5: ESGE recommends for patients with actively bleeding ulcers (FIa, FIb), combination therapy using epinephrine injection plus a second hemostasis modality (contact thermal or mechanical therapy). Strong recommendation, high quality evidence. 6: ESGE recommends for patients with an ulcer with a nonbleeding visible vessel (FIIa), contact or noncontact thermal therapy, mechanical therapy, or injection of a sclerosing agent, each as monotherapy or in combination with epinephrine injection. Strong recommendation, high quality evidence. 7 : ESGE suggests that in patients with persistent bleeding refractory to standard hemostasis modalities, the use of a topical hemostatic spray/powder or cap-mounted clip should be considered. Weak recommendation, low quality evidence. 8: ESGE recommends that for patients with clinical evidence of recurrent peptic ulcer hemorrhage, use of a cap-mounted clip should be considered. In the case of failure of this second attempt at endoscopic hemostasis, transcatheter angiographic embolization (TAE) should be considered. Surgery is indicated when TAE is not locally available or after failed TAE. Strong recommendation, moderate quality evidence. 9: ESGE recommends high dose proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy for patients who receive endoscopic hemostasis and for patients with FIIb ulcer stigmata (adherent clot) not treated endoscopically. (A): PPI therapy should be administered as an intravenous bolus followed by continuous infusion (e. g., 80 mg then 8 mg/hour) for 72 hours post endoscopy. (B): High dose PPI therapies given as intravenous bolus dosing (twice-daily) or in oral formulation (twice-daily) can be considered as alternative regimens.Strong recommendation, high quality evidence. 10: ESGE recommends that in patients who require ongoing anticoagulation therapy following acute NVUGIH (e. g., peptic ulcer hemorrhage), anticoagulation should be resumed as soon as the bleeding has been controlled, preferably within or soon after 7 days of the bleeding event, based on thromboembolic risk. The rapid onset of action of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACS), as compared to vitamin K antagonists (VKAs), must be considered in this context.Strong recommendation, low quality evidence.

Bleeding Duodenal Ulcer: Strategies in High-Risk Ulcers

Background

Acute peptic ulcer bleeding is still a major reason for hospital admission. Especially the management of bleeding duodenal ulcers needs a structured therapeutic approach due to the higher morbidity and mortality compared to gastric ulcers. Patient with these bleeding ulcers are often in a high-risk situation, which requires multidisciplinary treatment.

Summary

This review provides a structured approach to modern management of bleeding duodenal ulcers and elucidates therapeutic practice in high-risk situations. Initial management including pharmacologic therapy, risk stratification, endoscopy, surgery, and transcatheter arterial embolization are reviewed and their role in the management of bleeding duodenal ulcers is critically discussed. Additionally, a future perspective regarding prophylactic therapeutic approaches is outlined.

Key Messages

Beside pharmacotherapeutic and endoscopic advances, bleeding management of high-risk duodenal ulcers is still a challenge. When bleeding persists or rebleeding occurs and the gold standard endoscopy fails, surgical and radiological procedures are indicated to manage ulcer bleeding. Surgical procedures are performed to control hemorrhage, but they are still associated with a higher morbidity and a longer hospital stay. In the meantime, transcatheter arterial embolization is recommended as an alternative to surgery and more often replaces surgery in the management of failed endoscopic hemostasis. Future studies are needed to improve risk stratification and therefore enable a better selection of high-risk ulcers and optimal treatment. Additionally, the promising approach of prophylactic embolization in high-risk duodenal ulcers has to be further investigated to reduce rebleeding and improve outcomes in these patients.

Celiac axis stenosis and digestive disease: Diagnosis, consequences and management

Arterial blood flow to the organs of the upper abdomen is provided by the celiac axis (CA) and the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) that communicate between each other via the gastro-duodenal artery, the anterior and posterior pancreatico-duodenal arcades, the branches of the dorsal pancreatic artery and inconsistently, though a supplementary arcade that connects the CA and the SMA (arcade of Bühler). Celiac axis stenosis may or may not have a hemodynamic impact on the splanchnic circulation. Hemodynamically significant CA stenosis can be asymptomatic, or symptomatic with variables clinical consequences. Management depends on whether the mechanism of stenosis is extrinsic or intrinsic. When upper gastrointestinal interventional radiology or surgery is indicated, stenosis can pose technical difficulties or create severe ischemia requiring good understanding of this entity in the planning of operative steps and adapted management. Management of CA stenosis is therefore multidisciplinary and may involve interventional radiologists, gastrointestinal surgeons, vascular surgeons as well as medical physicians. Even though the prevalence of CA stenosis is relatively low (between 5 and 10%) and irrespective of its etiology, surgeons, radiologists and physicians must be aware of it because it can intervene in the management of upper gastrointestinal disease. It must be sought, and treatment must be adapted to each particular situation to avoid potentially severe complications.

Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs, Anticoagulation, and Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Advanced age, history of peptic ulcer disease, Helicobacter pylori, coadministration of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, anticoagulation, and antiplatelets are risk factors for gastrointestinal bleeding in the elderly. Awareness of these risks and appropriate use of NSAIDs, particularly in those needing antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy, is critical to optimal management. Careful selection of elderly patients requiring antiplatelet, anticoagulation, or chronic NSAID therapy for cotherapy with proton pump inhibitors can significantly reduce morbidity and mortality from gastrointestinal bleeding.

Endoscopic projection of the gastroduodenal artery: Anatomical implications for bleeding management

INTRODUCTION

Peptic ulcers account for 50% of upper gastrointestinal bleeding incidents. Bleedings from large vessels, such as the gastroduodenal artery, are associated with increased mortality. Ulcers located on the posterior wall of the duodenum show the highest risk for erosion of the gastroduodenal artery. Endoscopic management is challenging and rebleeding rates are high due to internal and external confounding factors such as anatomical variability and gastric insufflation. We aimed to correlate macroscopic and endoscopic anatomy for assessment of implications for clinical management.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The gastroduodenal artery was dissected in 10 anatomical specimens. The points of contact of the artery with the posterior wall of the duodenum were marked with needles. The endoluminal position of the needles was recorded by standardized gastroscopy and a 3-dimensional virtual reconstruction was carried out for visualization of the artery's course.

RESULTS

The artery's proximal and distal points of contact with the duodenum were 27.2mm (range 15-30mm; SD 6.7mm) and 15mm (range 10-20mm; SD 3.5mm), respectively, from the pylorus. The gastroduodenal artery branches from the common hepatic artery within the omentum minus running adjacent to the duodenal wall to the head of the pancreas. From endoscopic perspective, the gastroduodenal artery's course was directed towards the tip of the gastroscope.

CONCLUSION

Due to the peculiar extraluminal course of the gastroduodenal artery the arterial blood flow projects into the direction of the gastroscope during endoscopic intervention. Measures for bleeding control might have to be applied aboral from the bleeding site.

Diagnosis and Management of Non-Variceal Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage: A Review of Current Guidelines and Future Perspectives

Non-variceal gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) is a significant cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide which is encountered in the ambulatory and hospital settings. Hemorrhage form the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is categorized as upper GIB, small bowel bleeding (also formerly referred to as obscure GIB) or lower GIB. Although the etiologies of GIB are variable, a strong, consistent risk factor is use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Advances in the endoscopic diagnosis and treatment of GIB have led to improved outcomes. We present an updated review of the current practices regarding the diagnosis and management of non-variceal GIB, and possible future directions.

Successful Hemostasis With Endoscopic Suturing of Recurrent Duodenal Ulcer Bleeding After Failed Initial Endoscopic Therapy and Embolization

Peptic ulcer bleeding is a common condition where endoscopic therapy offers a safe and definitive treatment. However, management of peptic ulcer bleeding can be more complex when there is large volume, recurrent bleeding in a critically ill patient. We present a patient with life-threatening, recurrent duodenal ulcer bleeding who failed both standard endoscopic therapy and transarterial embolization. Hemostasis was achieved through a combination of standard endoscopic therapy and endoscopic suturing.

Perforated and bleeding peptic ulcer: WSES guidelines

Background

Peptic ulcer disease is common with a lifetime prevalence in the general population of 5-10% and an incidence of 0.1-0.3% per year. Despite a sharp reduction in incidence and rates of hospital admission and mortality over the past 30 years, complications are still encountered in 10-20% of these patients. Peptic ulcer disease remains a significant healthcare problem, which can consume considerable financial resources. Management may involve various subspecialties including surgeons, gastroenterologists, and radiologists. Successful management of patients with complicated peptic ulcer (CPU) involves prompt recognition, resuscitation when required, appropriate antibiotic therapy, and timely surgical/radiological treatment.

Methods

The present guidelines have been developed according to the GRADE methodology. To create these guidelines, a panel of experts was designed and charged by the board of the WSES to perform a systematic review of the available literature and to provide evidence-based statements with immediate practical application. All the statements were presented and discussed during the 5th WSES Congress, and for each statement, a consensus among the WSES panel of experts was reached.

Conclusions

The population considered in these guidelines is adult patients with suspected complicated peptic ulcer disease. These guidelines present evidence-based international consensus statements on the management of complicated peptic ulcer from a collaboration of a panel of experts and are intended to improve the knowledge and the awareness of physicians around the world on this specific topic. We divided our work into the two main topics, bleeding and perforated peptic ulcer, and structured it into six main topics that cover the entire management process of patients with complicated peptic ulcer, from diagnosis at ED arrival to post-discharge antimicrobial therapy, to provide an up-to-date, easy-to-use tool that can help physicians and surgeons during the decision-making process.

The Use of the Over the Scope Clip to Treat Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding

The over-the-scope clip is a novel endoscopic tool developed for tissue compression in the gastrointestinal tract. It has already revolutionized the management of acute perforations and leaks. In the past decade, it has also increasingly been used for treatment of severe and/or refractory gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Available studies report high rates of primary hemostasis and rebleeding. This article provides an overview on available literature, potential indications, and technical aspects of hemostasis with over-the-scope clip.

Over-the-scope clips are cost-effective in recurrent peptic ulcer bleeding

Background

A recent prospective randomised controlled trial ('STING') showed superiority of over-the-scope clips compared to standard treatment in recurrent peptic ulcer bleeding. Cost-effectiveness studies on haemostasis with over-the-scope clips have not been reported so far.

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate whether the higher efficacy of the over-the-scope clips treatment outweighs the higher costs of the device compared to standard clips.

Methods

For the analysis, the study population of the STING trial was used. Costs for the hospital stay in total as well as treatment-related costs were obtained. The average cost-effectiveness ratio, representing the mean costs per designated outcome, and the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio, expressing the additional costs of a new treatment strategy per difference in outcome were calculated. The designated outcome was defined as successful haemostasis without rebleeding within seven days, which was the primary endpoint of the STING trial. Average cost-effectiveness ratio and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio were calculated for total costs of the hospital stay as well as the haemostasis treatment alone. The cost-effectiveness analysis is taken from the perspective of the care provider.Results: Total costs and treatment-related costs per patient were 13,007.07 € in the standard group vs 12,808.56 € in the over-the-scope clip group (p = 0.812) and 2084.98 € vs 1984.71 € respectively (p = 0.663). The difference was not statistically significant. Total costs per successful haemostasis (average cost-effectiveness ratio) were 30,677.05 € vs 15,104.43 € and 4917.41 € vs 2340.46 € for the haemostasis treatment. The additional costs per successful haemostasis with over-the-scope clip treatment (incremental cost-effectiveness ratio) is -468.18 € for the whole treatment and -236.49€ for the haemostasis treatment.

Conclusions

Over-the-scope clip treatment is cost-effective in recurrent peptic ulcer bleeding.

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.

Is there still a role for the surgeon in the management of gastrointestinal bleeding ?

Modern investigation of gastrointestinal bleeds allows for reliable source identification in most cases. Current treatment algorithms utilise therapeutic endoscopy or interventional radiology and surgery now plays a limited role in the treatment of gastrointestinal bleeds. Approximately 2-4% of patients admitted with GI bleeds, however, require surgery to control their haemorrhage.

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.

When all else fails - Radiological management of severe gastrointestinal bleeding

Although most cases of acute nonvariceal gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) either spontaneously resolve or respond to medical management and endoscopic therapy, there are still a significant proportion of severe patients who require emergency angiography and endovascular treatment. Over the past three decades, transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) has become the first-line therapy for the management of acute nonvariceal GIB that is refractory to endoscopic hemostasis. Advances in catheter-based techniques and newer liquid embolic agents, as well as recognition of the effectiveness of minimally invasive treatment options, have expanded the role of interventional radiology in the treatment of bleeding for a variety of indications. TAE is a safe and effective minimally invasive alternative to surgery, when endoscopic treatment fails to control acute bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract. In this article we review the current role of angiography and TAE in the management of acute nonvariceal GIB.

Management of acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) is a common medical emergency, with a reported mortality of 2-10%. Patients identified as being at very low risk of either needing an intervention or death can be managed as outpatients. For all other patients, intravenous fluids as needed for resuscitation and red cell transfusion at a hemoglobin threshold of 70-80 g/L are recommended. After resuscitation is initiated, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and the prokinetic agent erythromycin may be administered, with antibiotics and vasoactive drugs recommended in patients who have cirrhosis. Endoscopy should be undertaken within 24 hours, with earlier endoscopy considered after resuscitation in patients at high risk, such as those with hemodynamic instability. Endoscopic treatment is used for variceal bleeding (for example, ligation for esophageal varices and tissue glue for gastric varices) and for high risk non-variceal bleeding (for example, injection, thermal probes, or clips for lesions with active bleeding or non-bleeding visible vessel). Patients who require endoscopic therapy for ulcer bleeding should receive high dose proton pump inhibitors after endoscopy, whereas those who have variceal bleeding should continue taking antibiotics and vasoactive drugs. Recurrent ulcer bleeding is treated with repeat endoscopic therapy, with subsequent bleeding managed by interventional radiology or surgery. Recurrent variceal bleeding is generally treated with transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt. In patients who require antithrombotic agents, outcomes appear to be better when these drugs are reintroduced early.

Transcatheter arterial embolization versus surgery for refractory non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding: a meta-analysis

Background

Nowadays, very few patients with non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding fail endoscopic hemostasis (refractory NVUGIB). This subset of patients poses a clinical dilemma: should they be operated on or referred to transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE)?

Objectives

To carry out a systematic review of the literature and to perform a meta-analysis of studies that directly compare TAE and surgery in patients with refractory NVUGIB.

Materials and methods

We searched PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, and Embase. A combination of the MeSH terms “gastrointestinal bleeding”; “gastrointestinal hemorrhage”; “embolization”; “embolization, therapeutic”; and “surgery” were used ((“gastrointestinal bleeding” or “gastrointestinal hemorrhage”) and (“embolization” or “embolization, therapeutic”) and “surgery”)). The search was performed in June 2018. Studies were retrieved and relevant studies were identified after reading the study title and abstract. Bibliographies of the selected studies were also examined. Statistical analysis was performed using RevMan software. Outcomes considered were all-cause mortality, rebleeding rate, complication rate, and the need for further intervention.

Results

Eight hundred fifty-six abstracts were found. Only 13 studies were included for a total of 1077 patients (TAE group 427, surgery group 650). All selected papers were non-randomized studies: ten were single-center and two were double-center retrospective comparative studies, while only one was a multicenter prospective cohort study. No comparative randomized clinical trial is reported in the literature.

Mortality. Pooled data (1077 patients) showed a tendency toward improved mortality rates after TAE, but this trend was not statistically significant (OD = 0.77; 95% CI 0.50, 1.18; P = 0.05; I² = 43% [random effects]). Significant heterogeneity was found among the studies.

Rebleeding rate. Pooled data (865 patients, 211 events) showed that the incidence of rebleeding was significantly higher for patients undergoing TAE (OD = 2.44; 95% CI 1.77, 3.36; P = 0.41; I² = 4% [fixed effects]).

Complication rate. Pooling of the data (487 patients, 206 events) showed a sharp reduction of complications after TAE when compared with surgery (OD = 0.45; 95% CI 0.30, 0.47; P = 0.24; I² = 26% [fixed effects]).

Need for further intervention. Pooled data (698 patients, 165 events) revealed a significant reduction of further intervention in the surgery group (OD = 2.13; 95% CI 1.21, 3.77; P = 0.02; I² = 56% [random effects]). A great degree of heterogeneity was found among the studies.

Conclusions

The present study shows that TAE is a safe and effective procedure; when compared to surgery, TAE exhibits a higher rebleeding rate, but this tendency does not affect the clinical outcome as shown by the comparison of mortality rates (slight drift toward lower mortality for patients undergoing TAE). The present study suggests that TAE could be a viable option for the first-line therapy of refractory NVUGIB and sets the foundation for the design of future randomized clinical trials.

Limitations

The retrospective nature of the majority of included studies leads to selection bias. Furthermore, the decision of whether to proceed with surgery or refer to TAE was made on a case-by-case basis by each attending surgeon. Thus, external validity is low. Another limitation involves the variability in etiology of the refractory bleeding. TAE techniques and surgical procedure also differ consistently between different studies. Frame time for mortality detection differs between the studies. These limitations do not impair the power of the present study that represents the largest and most recent meta-analysis currently available.

Acid Peptic Disease

The management of peptic ulcer disease has radically changed over the last 40 years from primarily surgical treatment to medical therapy nearly eliminating the need for elective surgery in these patients. Although there has been a decline in patients requiring acute surgical intervention for complications of peptic ulcer disease (perforation, bleeding, and obstruction), these patients still make up a significant proportion of hospital admissions every year. The modern acute care surgeon must have significant knowledge of the multiple treatment modalities used to appropriately care for these patients.

Over-the-Scope Clips Are More Effective Than Standard Endoscopic Therapy for Patients With Recurrent Bleeding of Peptic Ulcers

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Endoscopic hemostasis is effective in treatment of bleeding peptic ulcers. However, rebleeding is difficult to treat and associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. We performed a prospective randomized trial to determine whether over-the-scope clips (OTSCs) are more effective than standard treatment of severe recurrent upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

METHODS

We performed our study at 9 academic referral centers (in Germany, Switzerland, and Hong Kong) from March 2013 through September 2016. Adult patients with recurrent peptic ulcer bleeding following initially successful hemostasis (66 patients in the intent-to-treat analysis) were randomly assigned to groups (1:1) that underwent hemostasis with either OTSC or standard therapy. Standard therapy was defined as hemostasis with through-the-scope clips (TTSC, n = 31) or thermal therapy plus injection with diluted adrenaline (n = 2). The primary endpoint was further bleeding (a composite endpoint of a persistent bleeding despite endoscopic therapy according to the protocol or recurrent bleeding within 7 days after successful hemostasis). Patients with further bleeding were allowed to cross over to OTSC therapy. Main secondary endpoints were mortality, necessity of surgical or angiographic salvage therapy, duration of stay in the hospital or intensive care, number of blood units transfused, and complications associated with endoscopic therapy.

RESULTS

Persistent bleeding after per-protocol hemostasis was observed in 14 patients (42.4%) in the standard therapy group and 2 patients (6.0%) in the OTSC group (P = .001). Recurrent bleeding within 7 days occurred in 5 patients (16.1%) in the standard therapy group vs 3 patients (9.1%) in the OTSC group (P = .468). Further bleeding occurred in 19 patients (57.6%) in the standard therapy group and in 5 patients (15.2%) in the OTSC group (absolute difference 42.4%; 95% confidence interval 21.6-63.2; P = .001) Within 30 days of follow-up, 1 patient in the standard therapy group (3.0%) and 1 patient in the OTSC group (3.0%) required surgical therapy (P = .999). Within 30 days of the procedure, 2 patients died in the standard therapy group (6.3%) and 4 patients died in the OTSC group (12.1%) (P = .672). There were no significant differences in the other secondary endpoints.

CONCLUSIONS

In prospective randomized trial, we found endoscopic treatment with OTSCs to be superior to standard therapy with TTSCs for patients with recurrent peptic ulcer bleeding. STING Study, Clinicaltrials.gov no: NCT1836900.

The Acute Upper Gastrointestinal Bleed

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB), defined as intraluminal hemorrhage proximal to the ligament of Treitz, can range from mild and asymptomatic to massive life-threatening hemorrhage. For the purposes of this article, the authors define an acute UGIB to be one that results in new acute symptoms and is, therefore, potentially life-threatening. UGIB requires a systematic approach to evaluation and treatment, similar to the management of a trauma patient. Surgeon involvement in UGIBs remains integral despite the rare need for operative management. Endoscopy is the primary tool for diagnosis and treatment.

Long-Term Effectiveness, Safety and Mortality Associated with the Use of TC-325 for Malignancy-Related Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeds: A Multicentre Retrospective Study

Background and Study Aims

Malignant-related upper gastrointestinal bleeding (MRUGIB) is difficult to treat by conventional endoscopic methods. We sought to determine the efficacy, safety and mortality associated with the use of TC-325 for the treatment of MUGIB.

Patients and Methods

This is a multicentre, retrospective study at the University of Calgary and University of Ottawa performed between January 1, 2010, and July 30, 2016. TC-325 use was identified via staff polling, product order forms and endoscopic records review. Once identified, patient charts and online records were examined to identify MRUGIB cases and to assess our primary and secondary endpoints.

Outcomes

The primary outcome was hemostasis at seven days. Secondary outcomes include immediate hemostasis, early hemostasis, hemostasis at 14 days, 30-day mortality, adverse events related to TC-325 therapy and the need for repeat endoscopic intervention, surgery or transarterial embolization.

Results

Twenty-five patients were identified. The median age was 62 years (interquartile range [IQR] 52.5–76), and most were male (64%). TC-325 was the primary treatment modality in 20 patients (80%). Hemostasis was 88%, 89%, 58% and 50% at 24 hours, 72 hours, 7 days and 14 days, respectively. Five patients underwent repeat endoscopy, two patients required surgical intervention, and transarterial embolization was not required. Twelve patients died by 30 days (48%). There were no complications directly attributed to the use of TC-325.

Conclusions

TC-325 is effective for achieving and maintaining hemostasis in patients with malignancy-related upper gastrointestinal bleeding, and most patients do not require additional interventions. The 30-day mortality risk in this group of patients is high.

Non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding

Non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (NVUGIB) is bleeding that develops in the oesophagus, stomach or proximal duodenum. Peptic ulcers, caused by Helicobacter pylori infection or use of NSAIDs and low-dose aspirin (LDA), are the most common cause. Although the incidence and mortality associated with NVUGIB have been decreasing owing to considerable advances in the prevention and management of NVUGIB over the past 20 years, it remains a common clinical problem with an annual incidence of ∼67 per 100,000 individuals in the United States in 2012. NVUGIB is a medical emergency, and mortality is in the range ∼1-5%. After resuscitation and initial assessment, early (within 24 hours) diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy together with intragastric pH control with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) form the basis of treatment. With a growing ageing population treated with antiplatelet and/or anticoagulant medications, the clinical management of NVUGIB is complex as the risk between gastrointestinal bleeding events and adverse cardiovascular events needs to be balanced. The best clinical approach includes identification of risk factors and prevention of bleeding; available strategies include continuous treatment with PPIs or H. pylori eradication in those at increased risk of developing NVUGIB. Treatment with PPIs and/or use of cyclooxygenase-2-selective NSAIDs should be implemented in those patients at risk of NVUGIB who need NSAIDs and/or LDA.

Rockall Score Larger Than 7 as a Reliable Criterion for the Selection of Indications for Preventive Transarterial Embolization in a Subgroup of High-Risk Elderly Patients After Primary Endoscopic Hemostasis for Non-Variceal Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Background

Transarterial embolization (TAE) is an alternative procedure to repeat endoscopy or surgical intervention in the case of re-bleeding after primary endoscopic treatment. The aim of the study was to assess the Rockall score as a criterion for TAE in the case of re-bleeding after endoscopic treatment of non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (NVUGIB).

Methods

Out of the 673 patients who underwent emergent endoscopic hemostasis due to NVUGIB, 111 had a high risk of re-bleeding having a Forrest I-IIb ulcer and the Rockall score ≥ 5. From 111 patients, 37 accepted preventive TAE (PE+ group). The control group consisted of 74 patients who underwent standard treatment (PE- group).

Results

There were no differences in the demographic status between both groups, nor in the main clinical data on admission. The performance of TAE resulted in a significantly lower re-bleeding rate (1 (4.8%) vs. 11 (33%), P = 0.018). No patient who underwent TAE with the Rockall score ≥ 7 required surgery, resulting in only one re-bleeding episode (P = 0.004). Mortality reached 5% and 11% in the PE+ and PE- groups accordingly.

Conclusion

The Rockall score ≥ 7 could be a reliable predictor of re-bleeding after primary endoscopic hemostasis as one criterion for the selection of indications for preventive TAE.

Using Hemospray Improves the Cost-effectiveness Ratio in the Management of Upper Gastrointestinal Nonvariceal Bleeding

GOALS

We compared the cost-effectiveness of traditional recommended endoscopic hemostatic therapies and Hemospray alone or in combination when treating nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (NVUGIB).

BACKGROUND

Hemospray (TC-325) is a novel endoscopic hemostatic powder, achieving hemostasis through adherence to actively bleeding biological surfaces.

STUDY

A decision tree of patients with NVUGIB assessed 4 possible treatment strategies: traditional therapy alone (T), Hemospray alone (H), traditional therapy completed by Hemospray if needed (T+H), or Hemospray completed by traditional therapy if needed (H+T). Using published probabilities, effectiveness was the likelihood of avoiding rebleeding over 30 days. Costs in 2014 US$ were based on the US National Inpatient Sample. A third-party payer perspective was adopted. Sensitivity and subgroup analyses were performed.

RESULTS

For all patients, T+H was more efficacious (97% avoiding rebleeding) and less expensive (average cost per patient of US$9150) than all other approaches. The second most cost-effective approach was H+T (5.57% less effective and US$635 more per patient). Sensitivity analyses showed T+H followed by a strategy of H+T remained more cost-effective than H or T alone when varying all probability assumptions across plausible ranges. Subgroup analysis showed that the inclusion of H (especially alone) was least adapted for ulcers and was more cost-effective when treating lesions at low risk of delayed rebleeding.

CONCLUSIONS

Hemospray improves the effectiveness of traditional hemostasis, being less costly in most NVUGIB patient populations. A Hemospray first approach is most cost-effective for nonulcer bleeding lesions at low risk of delayed hemorrhage.

Transcatheter arterial embolization for upper gastrointestinal tract bleeding

Introduction

Transcatheter arterial embolization is a possible treatment for patients with recurrent bleeding from the upper gastrointestinal tract after failed endoscopic management and is also an alternative to surgical treatment.

Aim

To analyze the outcomes of transcatheter arterial embolization and identify the clinical and technical factors that influenced the rates of morbidity and mortality.

Material and methods

A retrospective analysis was carried out, based on the data of 36 patients who underwent transcatheter arterial embolization for acute nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding in 2013 to 2015 in our center. An analysis was performed between early rebleeding rates, mortality and the following factors: patient sex, age, number of units of packed red blood cells and packed plasma administered to the patients, length of hospital stay, therapeutic or prophylactic embolization.

Results

The technical success rate of the embolization procedure was 100%. There were 15 (41.70%) therapeutic embolizations and 21 (58.3%) prophylactic embolizations. There was a 77.8% clinical success rate. Following embolization, 10 (27.80%) patients had repeated bleeding and 9 (25.0%) patients died. Significant associations were found between rebleeding and prophylactic embolization (OR = 10.53; p = 0.04) and between mortality and prophylactic embolization (OR = 10.53; p = 0.04) and units of packed red blood cells (OR = 1.25; p < 0.01).

Conclusions

In our experience, transcatheter arterial embolization is a safe treatment method for acute nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding and a possible alternative to surgery for high-risk patients.

Peptic ulcer disease

The rapidly declining prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection and widespread use of potent anti-secretory drugs means peptic ulcer disease has become substantially less prevalent than it was two decades ago. Management has, however, become more challenging than ever because of the threat of increasing antimicrobial resistance worldwide and widespread use of complex anti-thrombotic therapy in the ageing population. Peptic ulcers not associated with H pylori infection or the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are now also imposing substantial diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. This Seminar aims to provide a balanced overview of the latest advances in the pathogenetic mechanisms of peptic ulcers, guidelines on therapies targeting H pylori infection, approaches to treatment of peptic ulcer complications associated with anti-inflammatory analgesics and anti-thrombotic agents, and the unmet needs in terms of our knowledge and management of this increasingly challenging condition.

Use of over-the-scope clips (OTSC) for hemostasis in gastrointestinal bleeding in patients under antithrombotic therapy

Background and study aims In patients taking different regimens of antithrombotic and/or anticoagulant therapy, endoscopic management of gastrointestinal bleeding represents a major challenge due to failing endogenous hemostasis. In this retrospective study we report on success rates with the over-the-scope clip (OTSC) system in upper and lower gastrointestinal bleeding in this high-risk patient population. Patients and methods Between February 2011 and June 2014, 75 patients were treated with an OTSC for active gastrointestinal bleeding. Success rates with the first endoscopic therapy, rebleeding episodes, their management and the influence of antithrombotic or anticoagulant therapy were analyzed retrospectively. Results Application of the OTSC resulted in immediate hemostasis (primary success rate) in all 75 patients. However, in 34.7 % a rebleeding episode was noted that could be treated by further endoscopic interventions. Only 3 patients had to be sent to the operating room because of failure of endoscopic therapy. In the rebleeding group the use of antiplatelet therapies was higher (73.1 % vs. 48.9 %). Conclusions Application of the OTSC in GI bleeding results in a high rate of primary hemostasis. Rebleeding occurs in up to 35 % of patients receiving antithrombotic/anticoagulant therapy but can be managed successfully with further endoscopic treatments. Patients in the rebleeding group were more frequently treated with antiplatelet agents. Radiological or surgical therapy was reserved for a small subgroup not successfully managed by repeated endoscopic therapies. OTSC application is the treatment of choice in high-risk patients when conventional clips used as first-line treatment fail.

Therapeutic Endoscopy for the Control of Nonvariceal Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Children: A Case Series

OBJECTIVES

Gastrointestinal bleeding is one of the most common indications for urgent endoscopy in the pediatric setting. The majority of these procedures are performed for control of variceal bleeding, with few performed for nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal (NVUGI) bleeding. The data on therapeutic endoscopy for NVUGI are sparse. The aims of our study were to review our experience with NVUGI bleeding, describe technical aspects and outcomes of therapeutic endoscopy, and determine gastroenterology fellows' training opportunities according to the national training guidelines.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective review of endoscopy database (Endoworks, Olympus Inc, Center Valley, PA) from January 2009 to December 2014. The search used the following keywords: bleeding, hematemesis, melena, injection, epinephrine, cautery, clip, and argon plasma coagulation. The collected data included demographics, description of bleeding lesion and medical/endoscopic therapy, rate of rebleeding, relevant laboratories, physical examination, and need for transfusion and surgery. The study was approved by the institutional review board.

RESULTS

During the study period 12,737 upper endoscopies (esophagogastroduodenoscopies) were performed. A total of 15 patients underwent 17 esophagogastroduodenoscopies that required therapeutic intervention to control bleeding (1:750 procedures). The mean ± standard deviation (median) age of patients who required endoscopic intervention was 11.6 ± 6.0 years (14.0 years). Seven out of 17 patients received dual therapy to control the bleeding lesions. All but 3 patients received medical therapy with intravenous proton pump inhibitor, and 3 received octreotide infusions. Six of the patients experienced rebleeding (40%), with 4 out of 6 initially only receiving single modality therapy. Two of these patients eventually required surgical intervention to control bleeding and both patients presented with bleeding duodenal ulcers. There were no cases of aspiration, perforation, or deaths. There were a total of 24 fellows trained in our program during the study period. Less than 1 therapeutic endoscopy per fellow for NVUGI bleeding was performed.

CONCLUSIONS

NVUGI bleeding requiring therapeutic endoscopic intervention is rare in pediatrics. A high rate (40%) of rebleeding was noted with a large proportion (66%) of patients receiving single modality therapy. Two patients required surgical intervention to control bleeding and both presented with bleeding duodenal ulcers. An insufficient number of therapeutic procedures is available for adequate fellow training requiring supplemental simulator and hands-on animal model, or adult endoscopy unit training.

[Duodenal ulcers, gastric ulcers and Helicobacter pylori]

The mortality in elderly patients over the age of 80 years with peptic ulcers in the case of complications, such as bleeding and perforation is higher than in the general population. Duodenal ulcers are associated with Helicobacter pylori infections in 90% of cases and in 70% of gastric ulcers. The treatment of elderly patients is often difficult due to multimorbidity and polypharmacy and necessitates a geriatric approach. Ulcers are often caused by medication with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and acetylsalicylic acid. Despite the fact that progress in therapy has improved the prevalence and prognosis, the treatment of elderly patients with ulcers is complex.

Management of non variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding: position statement of the Catalan Society of Gastroenterology

In recent years there have been advances in the management of non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding that have helped reduce rebleeding and mortality. This document positioning of the Catalan Society of Digestologia is an update of evidence-based recommendations on management of gastrointestinal bleeding peptic ulcer.