Closure of iatrogenic large mucosal and full-thickness defects of the stomach with endoscopic interrupted sutures in in vivo porcine models: are they durable enough?

Endoscopic double-layered suturing: an updated technique for clip closure of large mucosal defects after endoscopic submucosal dissection

Video 1Endoscopic submucosal dissection of a large, laterally spreading-type granular mixed polyp in the ascending colon followed by closure of the ulcer bed using modified double-layered endoscopic suturing with endoscopic clips.

Efficacy, Feasibility, and Safety of the X-Tack Endoscopic HeliX Tacking System: A Multicenter Experience

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The application of endoscopic suturing has revolutionized defect closures. Conventional over-the-scope suturing necessitates removal of the scope, placement of the device, and reinsertion. A single channel, single sequence, through-the-scope suturing device has been developed to improve this process. This study aims to describe the efficacy, feasibility, and safety of a through-the-scope suturing device for gastrointestinal defect closure.

METHODS

This was a retrospective multicenter study involving 9 centers of consecutive adult patients who underwent suturing using the X-Tack Endoscopic HeliX Tacking System (Apollo Endosurgery). The primary outcomes were technical success and long-term clinical success. Secondary outcomes included adverse events, recurrence, and reintervention rates.

RESULTS

In all, 56 patients (mean age 53.8, 33 women) were included. Suturing indications included fistula repair (n=22), leak repair (n=7), polypectomy defect closure (n=12), peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) site closure (n=7), perforation repair (n=6), and ulcers (n=2). Patients were followed at a mean duration of 74 days. Overall technical and long-term clinical success rates were 92.9% and 75%, respectively. Both technical and clinical success rates were 100% for polypectomies, POEM-site closures, and ulcers. Success rates were lower for the repair of fistulas (95.5% technical, 54.5% clinical), leaks (57.1%, 28.6%), and perforations (100%, 66.7%). No immediate adverse events were noted.

CONCLUSION

This novel, through-the-scope endoscopic suturing system, is a safe and feasible method to repair defects that are ≤3 cm. The efficacy of this device may be better suited for superficial defects as opposed to full-thickness defects. Larger defects will need more sutures and probably a double closure technique to provide a reinforcement layer.

Endoscopic Resection with One-Port Placement: A Newly Developed Technique for the Safe Management of Advanced Endoscopic Resection for Gastric Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors

INTRODUCTION

Endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR) without laparoscopic assistance (pure EFTR) is an emerging, less invasive treatment for gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs). However, the technique has seldom been performed outside China because of concerns regarding pneumoperitoneum, maintenance of endoscopic view, and endoscopic suturing. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of endoscopic resection with one-port placement (EROPP) for gastric GISTs.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 17 patients with gastric GISTs originating from the muscularis propria who underwent EROPP between 2019 and 2022. One camera port was inserted in the umbilicus before initiating the endoscopic procedure to maintain intra-abdominal pressure, which was monitored and adjusted via this port. While allowing for conversion to laparoscopic surgery if needed, EFTR was performed as follows: (1) circumferential incision of the mucosal and submucosal layers around the lesion was performed by typical endoscopic submucosal dissection; (2) an intentional perforation and subsequent seromuscular resection was made using dental floss and an endo-clip for traction; and (3) closure of the gastric full-thickness defect was performed with an over-the-scope clip (OTSC) after peroral retrieval of the specimen. We retrospectively assessed the short-term outcomes and safety.

RESULTS

All procedures were completed successfully without conversion to laparoscopic surgery. The median size of the resected tumors was 23 mm (range, 8-35 mm), the median resection time was 36 min (range, 22-95 min), and closure time was 18 min (range, 10-45 min). The rates of en bloc and complete resection were 100% and 88%, respectively. In 2 cases, another port was added to aspirate the leaking fluid or check the condition of the endoscopic closure. All gastric defects were endoscopically closed, mainly using OTSCs. The recovery course for all patients was uneventful, and no adverse events were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

EROPP is a safe and minimally invasive treatment for gastric GISTs and appears to be suitable for introducing EFTR procedures.

Application of a traction metal clip with a fishhook-like device in wound sutures after endoscopic resection

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Endoscopic wound suturing is an important factor that affects the ability to remove large and full-thickness lesions during endoscopic resection. We aimed to evaluate the effect of a traction metal clip with a fishhook-like device on wound sutures after endoscopic resection.

METHODS

From July 2020 to April 2021, patients who met the enrollment criteria were treated with a fishhook-like device during the operation to suture the postoperative wound (group A). Patients with similar conditions and similar size wounds who were treated with a "purse-string suture" to suture the wounds were retrospectively analyzed as the control group (group B). Difference in the suture rate, adverse events, time required for suturing, and number of metal clips were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

The time required for suturing was 7.72±0.51 minutes in group A and 11.50±0.91 minutes in group B. This difference was statistically significant (F=13.071, p=0.001). The number of metal clamps used in group A averaged 8.1 pieces/case, and the number of metal clamps used in group B averaged 7.3 pieces/case. This difference was not statistically significant (F=0.971, p>0.05).

CONCLUSION

The traction metal clip with the fishhook-like device is ingeniously designed and easy to operate. It has a good suture effect on the wound after endoscopic submucosal dissection and effectively prevents postoperative adverse events.

Advances in endoscopic resection: a review of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), endoscopic full thickness resection (EFTR) and submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection (STER)

Subepithelial lesions are often detected incidentally in patients undergoing an endoscopy. They are common tumors of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract which can originate from different layers of the GI tract wall. These lesions can be further classified based on GI layer of origin and unique histochemical staining. While most are benign and asymptomatic, some of these lesions have malignant potential with distant metastases. However, current diagnostic modalities including endoscopy with biopsy or endoscopic ultrasound with fine needle aspiration are not always reliable. In addition, management of these lesions has historically involved surgical resection via open or laparoscopic approaches. In recent years, with advancement in endoscopic techniques and improvement in endoscopists' skills, less invasive procedures such as endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), endoscopic full thickness resection (EFTR) and submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection (STER) have been developed and now are being used by endoscopists worldwide. Upon reviewing the literature, multiple studies have shown the advantages of these endoscopic techniques when compared with surgical treatment. As a result, there has been a dramatic shift towards minimally invasive endoscopic procedures for the management of these subepithelial lesions. In this review article, we will discuss these endoscopic resection techniques in detail, their safety and efficacy, as well as comparison studies to other therapeutic modalities.

Current endoscopic closure techniques for the management of gastrointestinal perforations

Acute gastrointestinal perforations occur either from spontaneous or iatrogenic causes. However, particular attention should be made in acute iatrogenic perforations as timely diagnosis and endoscopic closure prevent morbidity and mortality. With the increasing use of diagnostic endoscopy and advances in therapeutic endoscopy worldwide, the endoscopist must be able to recognize and manage perforations. Depending on the size and location of the defect, a variety of endoscopic clips, stents, and suturing devices are available. This review aims to prepare and guide the endoscopist to use the right tools and techniques for optimal patient outcomes.

Initial multicenter experience using a novel endoscopic tack and suture system for challenging GI defect closure and stent fixation (with video)

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Closure of endoscopic resection defects can be achieved with through-the-scope clips, over-the-scope clips, or endoscopic suturing. However, these devices are often limited by their inability to close large, irregular, and difficult-to-reach defects. Thus, we aimed to assess the feasibility and safety of a novel through-the-scope, suture-based closure system developed to overcome these limitations.

METHODS

This was a retrospective multicenter study involving 8 centers in the United States. Primary outcomes were feasibility and safety of early use of the device. Secondary outcomes were assessment of need for additional closure devices, prolonged procedure time, and technical feasibility of performing the procedure with an alternative device(s).

RESULTS

Ninety-three patients (48.4% women) with mean age 63.6 ± 13.1 years were included. Technical success was achieved in 83 patients (89.2%), and supplemental closure was required in 24.7% of patients (n = 23) with a mean defect size of 41.6 ± 19.4 mm. Closure with an alternative device was determined to be impossible in 24.7% of patients because of location, size, or shape of the defect. The use of the tack and suture device prolonged the procedure in 8.6% of cases but was considered acceptable. Adverse events occurred in 2 patients (2.2%) over a duration of follow-up of 34 days (interquartile range, 13-93.5) and were mild and moderate in severity. No serious adverse events or procedure-related deaths occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

The novel endoscopic through-the-scope tack and suture system is safe, efficient, and permits closure of large and irregularly shaped defects that were not possible with established devices.

Traction-assisted endoscopic full-thickness resection followed by O-ring and over-the-scope clip closure in the stomach: an animal experimental study

Background and study aims  Exposed endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR) enables the operator to obtain a sufficient surgical margin. However, insufflation leakage and secure endoscopic full-thickness closure (EFTC) remain problematic. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and feasibility of a new exposed EFTR. Patients and methods  Exposed EFTR was performed for 2-cm virtual lesions in different locations of the upper stomach in four dogs. EFTR mainly involved half-circumferential EFTR of the endpoint and clip-line traction. Pulley traction was applied with the forward approach for the greater curvature. EFTC involved endoscopic ligation with O-ring closure to diminish insufflation leakage, followed by over-the-scope clip closure. Results  Complete resection and technical success were achieved in all four cases. One case of intraoperative bleeding was endoscopically managed. No postoperative complications occurred in any cases. The median maximum resected size was 27.5 mm. The median procedure time of the total operation, EFTR, and EFTC was 76, 37, and 35.5 minutes, respectively. The 1-month survival rate was 100 %. Conclusions  This therapeutic strategy may lead to the establishment of exposed EFTR.

Endoscopic suturing promotes healing of mucosal defects after gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection: endoscopic and histologic analyses in in vivo porcine models (with video)

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Endoscopic suturing of mucosal defects after endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is expected to prevent postoperative adverse events. We aimed to endoscopically and histologically evaluate the healing process of post-ESD mucosal defects closed with endoscopic hand suturing (EHS) in in vivo porcine models.

METHODS

Twelve mucosal defects (2 cm in size) were created in 2 pigs (6 defects per pig). Initially, 2 defects were created: one was closed with EHS (sutured group) and the other was kept open (control group). On postoperative days (PODs) 7 and 14, 2 additional defects were created in each session, and they were treated in the same manner as in the initial procedure. On POD 21, the entire stomach, with the 6 lesion sites, was extracted for histologic evaluation after endoscopic observation.

RESULTS

Endoscopically, all sutured sites remained closed in all sessions (PODs 7, 14, and 21). Histologically, on POD 14, the epithelium and muscularis mucosae were appropriately connected. The mucosae were covered with the epithelium without inversion of the mucosal edge in the sutured group, whereas the ulcer bed was exposed in the control group. Furthermore, the degree of neovascularity and fibroblasts in the submucosa was smaller in the sutured group than that in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that endoscopic suturing promotes healing of post-ESD mucosal defects histologically in in vivo porcine models. Thus, endoscopic mucosal closure after ESD might be clinically useful for the prevention of delayed perforation/bleeding if secure suturing is performed endoscopically.

Intra-abdominal pressure during endoscopic full-thickness resection comparing manual and automatic control insufflation: a block-randomized porcine study

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

An automatic carbon dioxide (CO2) insufflating system (SPACE) was developed to stabilize intra-lumenal pressure (ILP) during endoscopic interventions. This study investigated whether SPACE could improve the control and monitoring of extra-lumenal intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) after establishing a perforation during endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR) of the gastric wall in porcine models.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

After first establishing the optimal preset pressure for gastric EFTR in four pigs, we compared IAP dynamics during EFTR between manual insufflation and SPACE using a block-randomized study (n = 10). IAP was percutaneously monitored and plotted on a timeline graph every 5 s. The maximal IAP and the area under the IAP curve exceeding 10 mmHg (AUC≥10 mmHg) were compared between groups, with the agreement between IAP and endolumenally monitored ILP also analyzed for animals in the SPACE group.

RESULTS

In the first study, 8 mmHg was identified as the most preferable preset pressure after establishment of the perforation. In the randomized study, the mean maximal IAP in the SPACE group was significantly lower than that in the manual insufflation group (11.0 ± 2.0 mmHg vs. 17.0 ± 3.5 mmHg; P = 0.03). The mean AUC≥10 mmHg was also significantly smaller in the SPACE group. Bland-Altman analysis demonstrated agreement between IAP and ILP within a range of ± 1.0 mmHg.

CONCLUSIONS

SPACE could be used to control and safely monitor IAP during gastric EFTR by measuring ILP during perforation of the gastric wall.

Resection of the gastric submucosal tumor (G-SMT) originating from the muscularis propria layer: comparison of efficacy, patients' tolerability, and clinical outcomes between endoscopic full-thickness resection and surgical resection

Background and aims

Endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR) has been increasingly applied in the treatment of gastric submucosal tumors (G-SMTs) with explorative intention. This study aimed to compare the efficacy, tolerability, and clinical outcomes of EFTR and surgical intervention for the management of muscularis propria (MP)-derived G-SMTs.

Methods

Between September 2011 and May 2019, the clinical records of patients with MP-derived G-SMTs undergoing EFTR at our endoscopic unit were collected. A cohort of people with primary MP-derived G-SMTs treated by surgery was matched in a 1:1 ratio to EFTR group with regard to patients’ baseline characteristics, clinicopathologic features of the tumor and the procedure date. The perioperative outcomes and follow-up data were analyzed.

Results

In total, 62 and 62 patients were enrolled into the surgery and EFTR group, respectively, with median follow-up of 786 days. The size of G-SMTs (with ulceration) ranged from 10 to 90 mm. For patients with tumor smaller than 30 mm, surgery and EFTR group presented comparable procedural success rate (both were 100%), en bloc resection rate (100% vs. 94.7%), tumor capsule rupture rate (0% vs. 5.3%), and pathological R0 resection rate (both were 100%). EFTR had a statistically significant advantage over surgery for estimated blood loss (3.12 ± 5.20 vs. 46.97 ± 60.73 ml, p ≤ 0.001), discrepancy between the pre- and postprocedural hemoglobin level (5.18 ± 5.43 vs. 9.84 ± 8.25 g/L, p = 0.005), bowel function restoration [1 (0–5) vs. 3 (1–5) days, p ≤ 0.001], and hospital cost (28,617.09 ± 6720.78 vs. 33,963.10 ± 13,454.52 Yuan, p = 0.033). The patients with tumor larger than 30 mm showed roughly the same outcomes after comparison analysis of the two groups. However, the clinical data revealed lower en bloc resection rate (75.0% vs. 100%, p = 0.022) and higher tumor capsule rupture rate (25.0% vs. 0%, p = 0.022) for EFTR when compared to surgery. The procedure time, duration of postprocedural fasting and antibiotics usage, and hospital stay of the two groups were equivalent. The occurrence rate of adverse events within postoperative day 7 were 74.2% and 72.6% after EFTR and surgery, respectively (p = 1.000). No complications occurred during the follow-up.

Conclusion

For treatment of MP-derived G-SMTs (with or without ulceration), our study showed the feasibility and safety of EFTR, which also provided better results in terms of procedural blood loss, the postoperative bowel function restoration and cost-effectiveness when compared to surgery, whereas the surgery was superior in en bloc resection rate for G-SMTs larger than 30 mm. The postprocedural clinical outcomes seemed to be equivalent in these two resection methods.

Endoscopic management of perforations, leaks and fistulas

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

Closing the Gaps: Endoscopic Suturing for Large Submucosal and Full-Thickness Defects

This article is a systematic review of relevant literature on endoscopic suturing as a primary closure technique for large submucosal and full-thickness defects after endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR), endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), and endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR). A comprehensive literature search was conducted through 2016 by using PubMed, to find peer-reviewed original articles. The specific factors considered were the procedural indications and details, success rates, clinical outcomes including complications, and study limitations. Six original articles were included in the final review: two with non-human subjects and four with human subjects. The mean success rate of endoscopic suturing was 97.4% (100% for human subjects and 95.4% for non-human subjects). The procedural time ranged from 7 to 89 min. The average size and depth of lesions were 2.71 cm (3.74 cm [human] and 1.96 cm [non-human]) and 1.52 cm, respectively. The technique itself had no reported impact on mortality. In conclusion, endoscopic suturing is a minimally invasive technique for the primary closure of defects caused by EMR, ESD, and EFTR, with a high success and low complication rate.

Endoscopic full-thickness resection using suture loop needle T-tag tissue anchors in the porcine stomach (with video)

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR) is still challenging, and a reliable technique is desirable. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of controlled EFTR using a pseudopolyp made from suture loop needle T-tag (SLNT) tissue anchors in ex vivo porcine stomachs.

METHODS

Five pig stomachs were used. Two concentric circumferential border mucosal incisions were made to facilitate isolating a target lesion for full-thickness excision and pseudopolyp formation. SLNT tissue anchors were placed with a fishing line around the edges of the larger outer incision by endoscopic suturing. A suture pulley was created in the center of the targeted area and brought outside for traction. A large inverted pseudopolyp of the targeted lesion was made, visualizing apposing serosa with traction on the suture pulley while simultaneously cinching the encircling fishing line. EFTR was then performed on the isolated targeted tissue with the use of a needle-knife.

RESULTS

Pseudopolyps were successful in all attempts. In the first attempt the encircling fishing line was cut, releasing the pseudopolyp during EFTR, with obvious leak. The remaining 4 EFTRs were performed with intact serosal apposing pseudopolyps and no air leaks. The median number of SLNT tissue anchors placed for a pseudopolyp was 5 (interquartile range, 4-5). The median size of full-thickness lesions was 37 mm (interquartile range, 29-49) and the median maximum pressure for the leak testing 9 mm Hg (interquartile range, 4-14) in the successful 4 attempts.

CONCLUSION

This proof of principle study suggests that EFTR with SLNT-fashioned pseudopolyps is feasible.

Endoscopic closure after intraluminal surgery

Endoscopic submucosal dissection is established as a curative endoscopic method for gastrointestinal epithelial neoplasms with a high possibility of complete en bloc resection; however, postoperative adverse events of bleeding and delayed perforation remain. To prevent or minimize them, several techniques for endoscopic mucosal closure have been introduced, such as using endoscopic clips, combined use of hemoclips and supplement devices, and specially designed endoscopic suturing devices. Furthermore, endoscopic full-thickness suturing technique for gastrointestinal wall defect has been developed based on the concept in natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery and endoscopic full-thickness resection. Several closure techniques, including over-the-scope clip, threaded bars inserted in a hollow needle, stitches or staplers, and a curved needle and thread are reported. Secure closure of the iatrogenic defect may further expand the range of therapeutic endoscopy. Accumulation of evidence for the efficacy of endoscopic closure and establishment of these techniques are desired.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided puncture suture device versus metal clip for gastric defect closure after endoscopic full-thickness resection: A randomized, comparative, porcine study

Objective:

The secure closure of the wall defect is a critical stage of endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR). The aim of this study was to compare the closure of post-EFTR defects using an endoscopic ultrasound-guided puncture suture device (PSD) with the metal clip (MC) technique in a randomized, comparative, porcine study.

Methods:

We performed a randomized comparative survival study that included 18 pigs. The circular EFTR defects with a diameter of approximately 20 mm were closed with either a PSD or MC. Serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) were determined preoperatively and on a postoperative day (POD) 1, 3, and 7. Three animals from each group were sacrificed at the end of the 7^th, 14^th, and 30^th POD. Tissue samples retrieved from the closure sites were examined macroscopically and microscopically.

Results:

Resection and closure were performed in 18 pigs (100%) without major perioperative complications. The mean closure time was significantly longer in the MC group than in the PSD group (25.00 ± 3.16 min vs. 1.56 ± 0.39 min; P < 0.05). Preoperative and POD 7 serum levels of IL-6 did not differ between the two groups. However, on POD 1, the IL-6 levels were observed to be significantly greater in the MC group than in the PSD group (P < 0.005). No significant differences between the PSD and MC groups were observed at necropsy.

Conclusion:

In this in vivo porcine model, PSD is a feasible device that achieves post-EFTR defect closure with a much shorter closure time and with less immunological responses than the MC technique.

A comparison of two endoscopic closures: over-the-scope clip (OTSC) versus KING closure (endoloop + clips) in a randomized long-term experimental study

BACKGROUND

Both over-the-scope clip (OTSC) and KING (endoloop + clips) closures provide reliable and safe full-thickness endoscopic closure. Nevertheless, OTSC clip demonstrated significantly inferior histological healing in the short-term follow-up.

AIM

To compare OTSC versus KING closure of a perforation with regard to long-term effectiveness and macroscopic and histological quality of healing.

METHODS

We performed a randomized experimental study with 16 mini-pigs (mean weight 43.2 ± 11.2 kg). A standardized perforation was performed on the anterior sigmoid wall. KING closure (n = 8) was attained by approximation of an endoloop fixed to the margins of a perforation with endoclips. OTSC closure (n = 8) was performed by deploying OTSC (OVESCO) over the defect. Pigs underwent a control sigmoidoscopy 8 months after the closure to assess the macroscopic quality of healing. Then, autopsy was performed and the rectosigmoid was sent for histopathological assessment.

RESULTS

All closures were completed successfully without air leaks. The duration of closure was similar in both techniques (OTSC 17.8 ± 7.6 min vs. KING 19.6 ± 8.8 min). At autopsy, all KING closures (100 %) were healed with a flat scar without signs of leakage. Microscopically, no inflammatory changes were observed after KING closure. In the OTSC group, microscopic ulcers were present in two pigs (25 %), cryptal abscesses in three pigs (38 %) and significant neutrophil accumulation in all eight pigs (P < 0.01). Giant cell granulomas, dysplasia or abundant scarification was not observed in either group.

CONCLUSIONS

Both OTSC and KING closures offer a long-term reliable seal of a gastrointestinal perforation without stenosis or fistulas. KING closure provides long-term histologically superior healing.