Endoscopic closure instead of surgery to close an ileal pouch fistula with the over-the-scope clip system

An ileal pouch fistula is an uncommon complication after an ileal pouch anal anastomosis. Most patients who suffer from an ileal pouch fistula will need surgical intervention. However, the surgery can be invasive and has a high risk compared to endoscopic treatment. The over-the-scope clip(OTSC) system was initially developed for hemostasis and leakage closure in the gastrointestinal tract during flexible endoscopy. There have been many successes in using this approach to apply perforations to the upper gastrointestinal tract. However, this approach has not been used for ileal pouch fistulas until currently. In this report, we describe one patient who suffered a leak from the tip of the "J" pouch and was successfully treated with endoscopic closure via the OTSC system. A 26-year-old male patient had an intestinal fistula at the tip of the "J" pouch after an ileal pouch anal anastomosis procedure. He received endoscopic treatment via OTSC under intravenous anesthesia, and the leak was closed successfully. Endoscopic closure of a pouch fistula could be a simpler alternative to surgery and could help avoid surgeryrelated complications.     

First report of colonoscopic closure of a gastrocolocutaneous PEG migration with over-the-scope-clip-system

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is a common practice for long-term nutrition of patients who are unable to take oral food. We report of an 85-year old man with a history of recurrent larynx carcinoma and hemicolectomy many years ago due to unknown reason. Laryngectomy was indicated. Preoperatively a PEG was inserted endoscopically after an abdominal ultrasonography without abnormal findings. Few months after PEG insertion, the patient was evaluated for diarrhea and insufficient feeding without signs of infection or peritonism. An upper endoscopy and computed tomography scan confirmed a buried bumper syndrome with migration of the PEG tube into the colon as a rare complication. He underwent successful colonoscopic removal of the internal bumper and closure of the colonic orifice of the fistula with the over-the-scope-clip system (OTSC). OTSC is an endoscopic device for treatment of bleeding, perforation, leak and fistula in the gastrointestinal tract. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the use of OTSC for colonoscopic closure of a gastrocolocutaneous fistula due to a buried bumper syndrome with transcolonic PEG tube migration.     

Over-the-scope clip placement for closure of gastrointestinal fistula,postoperative leaks and refractory gastrointestinal bleed

Introduction

The over-the-scope clip (OTSC) has been successfully used in the closure of fistula, perforation, dehiscence, and endoscopic hemostasis. We describe our experience with the OTSC application.

Methods

Between April 2014 and April 2015, seven patients underwent OTSC application. In four patients, OTSC was applied for the closure of esophageal fistula, one had OTSC closure of persistent gastrocutaneous fistula after percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy removal, and OTSC was applied in duodenum in two patients, for duodenal Dieulafoy’s lesion after failed conventional endotherapy and massive rebleed in one and duodenal perforation in another.

Results

All procedures had technical success with no immediate complication related to OTSC application. Patients were followed up for every month with mean duration of follow up 10.2 months. One patient with bronchoesophageal fistula had development of another fistulous opening above the site of OTSC placement, which was successfully closed with another OTSC. One patient had superficial esophageal wall ulcer opposite the OTSC but it healed spontaneously.

Conclusion

OTSC provided safe and successful closure in a number of settings.

     

One hundred and one over-the-scope-clip applications for severe gastrointestinal bleeding,leaks and fistulas

AIM: To investigate the efficacy and clinical outcome of patients treated with an over-the-scope-clip(OTSC) system for severe gastrointestinal hemorrhage, perforations and fistulas.METHODS: From 02-2009 to 10-2012, 84 patients were treated with 101 OTSC clips. 41 patients(48.8%) presented with severe upper-gastrointestinal(GI) bleeding, 3(3.6%) patients with lower-GI bleeding, 7 patients(8.3%) underwent perforation closure, 18 patients(21.4%) had prevention of secondary perforation, 12 patients(14.3%) had control of secondary bleeding after endoscopic mucosal resection or endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD) and 3 patients(3.6%) had an intervention on a chronic fistula. RESULTS: In 78/84 patients(92.8%), primary treatment with the OTSC was technically successful. Clinical primary success was achieved in 75/84 patients(89.28%). The overall mortality in the study patients was 11/84(13.1%) and was seen in patients with life threatning upper GI hemorrhage. There was no mortality in any other treatment group. In detail OTSC application lead to a clinical success in 35/41(85.36%) patients with upper GI bleeding and in 3/3 patients with lower GI bleeding. Technical success of perforation closure was 100% while clinical success was seen in 4/7 cases(57.14%) due to attendant circumstances unrelated to the OTSC. Technical and clinic success was achieved in 18/18(100%) patients for the prevention of bleeding or perforation after endoscopic mucosal resection and ESD and in 3/3 cases of fistula closure. Two application-related complications were seen(2%).CONCLUSION: This largest single center experience published so far confirms the value of the OTSC for GI emergencies and complications. Further clinical experience will help to identify optimal indications for its targeted and prophylactic use.     

Efficacy and safety of over-the-scope clip: Including complications after endoscopic submucosal dissection

AIM: To retrospectively review the results of over-thescope clip (OTSC) use in our hospital and to examine the feasibility of using the OTSC to treat perforations after endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). METHODS: We enrolled 23 patients who presented with gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, fistulae and perforations and were treated with OTSCs (Ovesco Endoscopy GmbH, Tuebingen, Germany) between November 2011 and September 2012. Maximum lesion size was defined as lesion diameter. The number of OTSCs to be used per patient was not decided until the lesion was completely closed. We used a twin grasper (Ovesco Endoscopy GmbH, Tuebingen, Germany) as a grasping device for all the patients. A 9 mm OTSC was chosen for use in the esophagus and colon, and a 10 mm device was used for the stomach, duodenum and rectum. The overall success rate and complications were evaluated, with a particular emphasis on patients who had undergone ESD due to adenocarcinoma. In technical successful cases we included not only complete closing by using OTSCs, but also partial closing where complete closure with OTSCs is almost difficult. In overall clinical successful cases we included only complete closing by using only OTSCs perfectly. All the OTSCs were placed by 2 experienced endoscopists. The sites closed after ESD included not only the perforation site but also all defective ulcers sites.RESULTS: A total of 23 patients [mean age 77 years (range 64-98 years)] underwent OTSC placement during the study period. The indications for OTSC placement were GI bleeding (n = 9), perforation (n = 10), fistula (n = 4) and the prevention of post-ESD duodenal artificial ulcer perforation (n = 1). One patient had a perforation caused by a glycerin enema, after which a fistula formed. Lesion closure using the OTSC alone was successful in 19 out of 23 patients, and overall success rate was 82.6%. A large lesion size (greater than 20 mm) and a delayed diagnosis (more than 1 wk) were the major contributing factors for the overall unsuccessful clinical case     

Use of an over-the-scope clipping device for closure of a jejuno-sigmoid fistula: a case report with long-term follow-up

The over-the-scope clip (OTSC) system is a new technology that enables closure of fistulae which cannot be closed with a conventional clip. A 57-year-old woman had long-term hypoalbuminemia, edema and general malaise. Peroral double-balloon endoscopy (DBE) showed a jejuno-sigmoid fistula and blind loop syndrome of the jejunum and ileum, because ingested food bypassed the ileum through the fistula. She was advised to undergo surgical closure of the fistula, but she refused the procedure. For 7 years following DBE, repeat courses of antibiotics were required to treat bacterial overgrowth due to blind loop syndrome. The fistula was successfully closed using the OTSC system from the sigmoid colon side. The patient’s symptoms and quality of life improved. Two years after closure, hypoalbuminemia, edema and general malaise developed again due to dislocation of the OTSC. She then accepted surgical closure of the fistula, because she had experienced improvement after closure using the OTSC. Her quality of life improved again following surgery. OTSC application can demonstrate the improvement expected after surgical closure of a fistula, and may convince a patient of the benefits of surgical closure.     

Over-the-scope clip to close a gastrocutaneous fistula after esophagectomy

Over-the-scope clip(OTSC) system is becoming a new reliable technique which is available for the endoscopic closure of fistulas, bleeding, perforations and so on. We describe the case of a patient with a nonhealing gastrocutaneous fistula after esophagectomy for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma which was successfully closed using an OTSC system. This is the first report of the use of OTSC to treat a nonhealing gastrocutaneous fistula successfully after esophagectomy. We believe our experience will give such patients an ideal way to cure the fistula without suffering too much and also explore new application of OTSC.     

Removal of over the scope clips (OTSC) with an Nd:YAG Laser

Until recently there has been no technique available which reproducibly and safely allows endoscopic closures of penetrating defects within the digestive tract. With the new "over the scope clipping system" (OTSC system), which regarding design and function is similar to a bear-trap, a method is available for the endoscopic closure of fistulas and perforations. The OTSC-systems are designed for permanent placement. However, in the case of misplacement or the need to remove the clip after healing of the defect, a technique for destroying and removing the clip should be available. We demonstrate for the first time the successful removal of the deeply penetrating OTSC system by using the Nd:YAG-Laser in 3 cases: (i) after closure of an oesophageal fistula, (ii) after closure of a perforation of the distal common bile duct in the roof of the papilla and (iii) after clip misplacement in a case of a wide oesophagomediastinal fistula resulting in a severe oesophageal stenosis. Clinically relevant thermal lesions were not observed after the procedure. If clinically necessary, the OTSC-system can be safely removed by the Nd:YAG Laser in centres for interventional endoscopy. Because of the small number of cases the method must still be considered as experimental and requires further validation. This will be possible with the help of a newly established OTSC registry ( www.endodo.de ).     

内镜下全层切除术联合OTSC吻合系统在治疗胃间质瘤中的应用研究

目的探究内镜下全层切除术(EFTR)联合OTSC吻合系统治疗胃间质瘤的安全性及有效性。 方法回顾性分析2016年9月至2018年10月经宁夏回族自治区人民医院行EFTR联合OTSC夹闭系统治疗胃间质瘤24例临床资料。 结果24例患者中,成功切除率及闭合率为100%,闭合穿孔直径最小为0.3 cm×0.3 cm,闭合穿孔直径最大为4.3 cm×3.8 cm,平均(2.5 ±1.5)cm,术中有少量渗血,均予以氩离子凝固术(APC)电凝止血,平均操作时间(45±60)min,术后平均住院时间为(3±5)d。术后无气胸、发热,无发生迟发性出血、消化道瘘、继发性胸腹腔感染及其它严重并发症。术后第1、3、6个月随访复查胃镜,观察创面愈合情况,病变均无复发现象,24例病理提示梭形细胞肿瘤及结合免疫组织化学诊断为间质瘤,位于胃底、胃窦及胃体;均为极低度、低度侵袭危险性,建议患者定期复查胃镜。 结论EFTR联合OTSC吻合系统治疗胃间质瘤是一种安全、有效的技术,值得在临床上推广使用。     

Effectiveness and safety of over-the-scope clip in closing perforations after duodenal surgery

BACKGROUNDEndoscopic resection of duodenal subepithelial lesions (SELs) is a difficult procedure with a high risk of perforation. At present, dealing with perforation after endoscopic resection of duodenal SELs is still considered a great challenge.AIMTo evaluate the effectiveness and safety of an over-the-scope clip (OTSC) in the treatment of perforation post-endoscopic resection of duodenal SELs.METHODSFrom May 2015 to November 2019, 18 patients with perforation following endoscopic resection of duodenal SELs were treated with OTSCs. Data comprising the rate of complete resection, closure of intraprocedural perforation, delayed bleeding, delayed perforation, and postoperative infection were extracted.RESULTSThe rate of complete removal of duodenal SELs and successful closure of the perforation was 100%. The median perforation size was 1 cm in diameter. Seventeen patients had minor intraoperative bleeding, while the remaining 1 patient had considerable amount of bleeding during the procedure. Seven patients had postoperative abdominal infections, of which 1 patient developed an abscess in the right iliac fossa and another patient developed septic shock. All 18 patients recovered and were discharged. No delayed bleeding or perforation was reported. The mean time taken to resume normal diet after the procedure was 6.5 d. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 9.5 d. No residual or recurrent lesions were detected during the follow-up period (15-66 mo).CONCLUSIONClosing a perforation after endoscopic resection of duodenal SELs with OTSCs seems to be an effective and reasonably safe therapeutic method.     

Staged resection and reconstruction following definitive chemoradiotherapy for perforated cervico-thoracic esophageal cancer with mediastinal abscess

Esophageal perforation with mediastinal abscess formation is a potentially life-threatening complication after chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in patients with esophageal cancer. We present the case of a 64-year-old woman with cervico-thoracic esophageal cancer who had previously undergone distal gastrectomy. Definitive CRT was initially performed since the patient refused laryngectomy. However, she developed an esophageal fistula and a subsequent cervico-mediastinal abscess, which made oral intake impossible. In order to address the fistula, abscess, and cancer, we decided to perform a staged operation. The patient first underwent total pharyngo-laryngo-esophagectomy and abscess drainage. She next underwent esophageal reconstruction with an ileocolonic conduit through a subcutaneous route. The patient is currently alive and well after surgery. This case suggests that surgical resection may be performed in high-risk patients with cervico-thoracic esophageal cancer via a two-stage operation.     

Esophago-bronchial fistula treated by the Over-The-Scope-Clipping (OTSC) system with argon beam electrocoagulation: A case report

Rationale:An esophago-bronchial fistula is one of the rare postoperative complications of esophageal cancer. There are various medical treatments, including suturing, endoscopic clip, and fibrin glue. However, these treatments often lead to unsatisfactory results, causing physicians to opt for surgical alternatives. The Over-The-Scope-Clipping (OTSC) system offers an alternative method for fistula closure. It can capture a large amount of tissue and is able to compress the lesion until it has fully healed. However, data indicating the efficacy of OTSC for esophago-bronchial fistula are limited.Patient concerns:A 64-year-old man presented with an esophago-bronchial fistula after surgery for esophageal cancer. We chose to use a stent as the first line of treatment, but the fistula did not close.Diagnoses:Intractable esophago-bronchial fistula associated with esophageal surgery.Interventions and Outcomes:On the 94th postoperative day, fistula closure with OTSC was performed, and no leakage of the contrast agent was observed during fluoroscopy. We also attempted to close the fistula by combining OTSC and argon plasma coagulation (APC) to burn off the scar tissue from around the fistula. The fistula gradually shrank after a total of 4 rounds of OTSC, and closure of the fistula was achieved on the 185th postoperative day. There were no adverse events during the treatment of this case.Lessons:We demonstrate that OTSC is useful in the management of esophago-bronchial fistulas, and may become a standard procedure for the endoscopic treatment of esophago-bronchial fistulas, replacing the use of stents, clips, or glue.     

Successful closing of duodenal ulcer after endoscopic submucosal dissection with over‐the‐scope clip to prevent delayed perforation

Closure of post‐endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) duodenal artificial ulcer is not common in the clinical setting. We consider that post‐ESD ulcer closure by an over‐the‐scope‐clip (OTSC) method is one of the most effective ways to prevent delayed perforation. We report here two cases of mucosal duodenal cancer in a 65‐year‐old woman and in a 78‐year‐old man. Pathological examinations of the resected specimens revealed well‐differentiated adenocarcinomas. In these two clinical cases, we successfully carried out complete closures of post‐ESD duodenal ulcer using OTSC without any complications.     

Endoscopic fibrin sealant closure of duodenal perforation after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography

Traditionally, perivaterian duodenal perforation can be managed conservatively or surgically. If a large volume of leakage results in fluid collection in the retroperitoneum, surgery may be necessary. Our case met the surgical indication for perivaterian duodenal perforation after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with sphincterotomy and endoscopic papillary balloon dilatation. The patient developed a retroperitoneal abscess after the procedures, and a perivaterian perforation was suggested on computed tomography (CT). CT-guided abscess drainage was performed immediately. We unsuccessfully attempted to close the perforation with hemoclips initially. Subsequently, we used fibrin sealant (Tisseel) injection to occlude the perforation. Fibrin sealant injections have been previously used during endoscopy for wound closure and fistula repair. Based on our report, fibrin sealant injection can be considered as an alternative method for the treatment of ERCP-related type II perforations.     

Over-the-scope-clipping system for anastomotic leak after colorectal surgery:Report of two cases

An anastomotic leak is one of the major complications following colorectal surgery.Standard treatments for anastomotic leak are total parenteral nutrition or temporary ileostomy.The over-the-scope-clipping(OTSC)system was originally developed to treat intestinal perforation or to close the tissue after natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery.Two cases of successful management of an anastomotic leak after colorectal surgery using the OTSC system are reported.One patient avoided a temporary ileostomy.In the other,hospitalization was shortened by the use of the OTSC system.The OTSC system can be a potential option in the management of anastomotic leaks after colorectal surgery.     

Endoscopic transgastric drainage of a gastric wall abscess after endoscopic submucosal dissection

A 63-year-old woman was referred to our hospital for further examination because of an incidental finding of early gastric cancer.Endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD)was successfully performed for complete resection of the tumor.On the first post-ESD day,the patient suddenly complained of abdominal pain after an episode of vomiting.Abdominal computed tomography(CT)showed delayed perforation after ESD.The patient was conservatively treated with an intravenous proton pump inhibitor and antibiotics.On the fifth post-ESD day,CT revealed a gastric wall abscess in the gastric body.Gastroscopy revealed a gastric fistula at the edge of the post-ESD ulcer,and pus was found flowing into the stomach.An intradrainage stent and an extradrainage nasocystic catheter were successfully inserted into the abscess for endoscopic transgastric drainage.After the procedure,the clinical symptoms and laboratory test results improved quickly.Two months later,a follow-up CT scan showed no collection of pus.Consequently,the intradrainage stent was removed.Although the gastric wall abscess recurred 2 wk after stent removal,it recovered soon after endoscopic transgastric drainage.Finally,after stent removal and oral antibiotic treatment for 1 mo,no recurrence of the gastric wall abscess was found.     

Delayed perforation occurring on the 24th day after endoscopic submucosal dissection for early gastric cancer

Delayed perforation occurs after 0.5% of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) procedures for early gastric cancer (EGC). This complication can occur within a few hours or days after ESD. There are few reports in the English literature concerning patients who developed delayed perforation after ESD for EGC. An 81-year-old woman was referred to the emergency department of our hospital on the 24th day after ESD because of abdominal pain. We diagnosed her with delayed perforation with peritonitis after ESD for EGC using computed tomography (CT) and esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). We performed primary closure with interrupted sutures covered via pedicled omentoplasty. The patient was discharged 13 days after surgery without any postoperative complications. Delayed perforation is generally treated with conservative, surgical, or endoscopic methods. Several benefits of endoscopic clipping have been reported. However, in the present case, we performed emergency surgery while considering possible fatal complications, such as severe peritonitis. It is important to recognize delayed perforation in the differential diagnosis. The decision to perform surgery should be made after carefully considering the degree of perforation based on EGD, CT findings, and patient conditions.     

Feasibility study of secure closure of gastric fundus perforation using over-the-scope clips in a dog model

Background and Aim: Gastric fundus perforation is a serious complication of endoscopic mucosal resection and endoscopic submucosal dissection performed for the removal of early gastric cancers or subepithelial tumors. The novel over‐the‐scope clip (OTSC) has recently been found to be effective for closing gastrointestinal‐tract perforations and accesses for natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery. However, feasibility studies of OTSCs in gastric fundus perforation are still lacking. The aim of this study was therefore to demonstrate the feasibility of endoscopic closure of gastric fundus perforation using the OTSC system in a dog model. Methods: Gastric fundus perforations were created by needle‐knife electrocautery in seven dogs. The perforations were then closed using the OTSC clipping system. Stomach distension was maintained by maximum insufflation with air and methylene blue solution (500 mL) was instilled to submerge the closed perforation. Leaks were detected laparoscopically. Results: Perforations were closed in all seven cases with a mean time of 18.5 ± 6.4 min (11–28 min). Twin Grasper assistance failed to release the OTSCs in two of the seven cases (2/7, 28.6%) because of difficulties associated with the J‐maneuver (retroflexion of endoscope) required for the gastric fundus procedure, and OTCS were forced into place by suction. Minor leakage was observed in one case (1/7, 14.3%). No damages related to the clip system were found during postmortem examinations. Conclusions: Despite difficulties associated with the J‐maneuver of the endoscope, this small series demonstrated that sufficient closure of gastric fundus perforation could be achieved using the OTSC system.     

Over‐the‐scope clip system: A review of 1517 cases over 9 years

Rescue therapy for gastrointestinal (GI) refractory bleeding, perforation, and fistula has traditionally required surgical interventions owing to the limited performance of conventional endoscopic instruments and techniques. An innovative clipping system, the over‐the‐scope clip (OTSC), may play an important role in rescue therapy. This innovative device is proposed as the final option in endoscopic treatment. The device presents several advantages including having a powerful sewing force for closure of GI defects using a simple mechanism and also having an innovative feature, whereby a large defect and fistula can be sealed using accessory forceps. Consequently, it is able to provide outstanding clinical effects for rescue therapy. This review clarifies the current status and limitations of OTSC according to different indications of GI refractory disease, including refractory bleeding, perforation, fistula, and anastomotic dehiscence. An extensive literature search identified studies reported 10 or more cases in which the OTSC system was applied. A total of 1517 cases described in 30 articles between 2010 and 2018 were retrieved. The clinical success rates and complications were calculated overall and for each indication. The average clinical success rate was 78% (n = 1517) overall, 85% for bleeding (n = 559), 85% (n = 351) for perforation, 52% (n = 388) for fistula, 66% (n = 97) for anastomotic dehiscence, and 95% (n = 122) for other conditions, respectively. The overall and severe OTSC‐associated complications were 1.7% (n = 23) and 0.59% (n = 9), respectively. This review concludes that the OTSC system may serve as a safe and productive device for GI refractory diseases, albeit with limited success for fistula.     

消化道黏膜下肿物内镜下切除及其并发症防治

目的探讨消化道黏膜下肿物(gastrointestinal submucosal tumor,SMT)的内镜下切除方法及其并发症的防治。方法对382例SMT采用内镜黏膜下挖除术(ESE)、胃镜与腹腔镜双镜联合、内镜黏膜下隧道肿瘤切除术(STER)以及内镜全层切除术(EFTR)进行肿物切除。结果 ESE切除332例,胃镜与腹腔镜双镜联合切除36例(其中20例为腹腔镜为主内镜辅助腹腔镜治疗,16例为瘤体较大,与浆膜层分界不清,单独内镜下挖除瘤体困难,术中转外科腹腔镜与胃镜双镜联合治疗),STER切除10例,EFTR切除4例。术中穿孔24例,其中内镜下瘤体剥离后发生胃壁穿孔转外科腹腔镜下缝合穿孔7例、内镜下尼龙绳荷包缝合9例、内镜下钛夹缝合6例、内镜下OTSC金属夹闭合器达到严密缝合2例。术后发生迟发性出血1例。术后感染1例。无死亡病例发生。结论 ESE、胃镜与腹腔镜双镜联合、STER以及EFTR是目前切除SMT微创、有效、安全、可行的方法。穿孔是其主要并发症,大多数穿孔可在内镜下达到严密缝合。