Endoscopic closure of gastrointestinal defects with an over-the-scope clip device. A case series and review of the literature

Summary Background The over-the-scope clip (OTSC) is a novel endoscopic tool used in the non surgical treatment of gastrointestinal perforations, fistula, and anastomotic leaks. Aims The aim of the present study was to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of this new endoscopic device on anastomotic postsurgical leak and fistulas or GI perforation in a tertiary referral center. Patients and methods The study group consisted of nine patients (three female, six male, age: 22–65 years). The indications were anastomotic leak in five patients, fistula in three patients, and perforation in one patient. Atraumatic version of OTSCs with medium sized caps, twin graspers and anchor were used. All of the patients were treated with only one OTSC. None of the patients underwent additional endoscopic treatments. Results The median size of the defects were 15 mm (range 5–20 mm). OTSC was favourable in five of nine patients (three with leak, and one with fistula and perforation, each). OTSC could not be deployed or partially closed the defect in the remaining four patients because of fibrosis at the edges of the defect. Excluding the case with perforation, the median time elapsed between the diagnosis and the placement of OTSC was 35 days (range: 20–80) in the successful group and 70 days (range: 38–94) in the unsuccessful group. There were no complications due to the OTSC application or the applicator cap. Conclusions OTSC is a safe and effective device for closure of perforations and leaks. However therapeutic efficacy is lower in cases with fistulas mainly due to associated fibrosis at the borders.