Over-The-Scope Clip system as a first-line therapy for high-risk bleeding peptic ulcers: a retrospective study

Background Effective hemostasis is essential to prevent rebleeding. We evaluated the efficacy and feasibility of the Over-The-Scope Clip (OTSC) system compared to combined therapy (through-the-scope clips with epinephrine injection) as a first-line endoscopic treatment for high-risk bleeding peptic ulcers. Methods We retrospectively analyzed data of 95 patients from a single, tertiary center and underwent either OTSC ( n = 46) or combined therapy ( n = 49). The primary outcome of the present study was the efficacy of the OTSC system as a first-line therapy in patients with high-risk bleeding peptic ulcers compared to combined therapy with TTS clips and epinephrine injection. The secondary outcomes included the rebleeding rate, perforation rate, mean procedure time, reintervention rate, mean procedure cost and days of hospitalization in the two study groups within 30 days of the index procedure. Results All patients achieved hemostasis within the procedure; two patients in the OTSC group and four patients in the combined therapy group developed rebleeding ( p = 0.444). No patients experienced gastrointestinal perforation. OTSC had a shorter median procedure time than combined therapy (11 min versus 20 min; p