Hybrid NOTES transgastric cholecystectomy with reliable gastric closure: an animal survival study

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.

Endoscopic closure of acute perforations of the GI tract: a systematic review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Surgical repair of endoscopic perforations of the GI tract used to be the standard, but immediate, secure endoscopic closure has become an attractive alternative treatment with the potential to reduce morbidity and mortality.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to perform a systematic review of the medical literature on endoscopic closure of acute iatrogenic perforations of the GI tract.

DESIGN

A systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses) guidelines.

SETTING

Available medical literature from 1966 through November 2013.

PATIENTS

Patients with an acute perforation after an endoscopic procedure that was closed endoscopically.

INTERVENTIONS

Endoscopic closure of an acute perforation of the GI tract.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Clinically successful endoscopic closure.

RESULTS

In our search, we identified 726 studies, 702 of which had to be excluded. Twenty-four cohort studies (21 retrospective, 3 prospective) were included in the analysis. No randomized trials were identified. Overall, the methodological quality was low. The 24 studies included described 466 acute perforations in which endoscopic closure was attempted. Successful endoscopic closure was achieved in 419 cases (89.9%; 95% CI, 87%-93%). Successful closure was achieved in 90.2% (n = 359; 95% CI, 87%-93%) of cases by using endoclips, in 87.8% (n = 58; 95% CI, 78%-95%) by using the over-the-scope-clip, and in 100% (n = 2) by using a metal stent.

LIMITATIONS

Low methodological quality of included studies.

CONCLUSION

This systematic review suggests that endoscopic perforation closure is a safe and effective alternative for surgical intervention in selected cases; however, the overall methodological quality was low. Prospective, true consecutive studies are needed to define the definitive role of endoscopic closure of perforations.

Gastrotomy Healing After Transgastric Peritoneoscopy: A Randomized Study in a Pig Model

INTRODUCTION

Reliable closure and infection prevention are the main barriers for implementation of pure transgastric peritoneoscopy. The primary aim of this study was to assess healing of over the scope clip (OTSC) closed gastrotomies.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Pure transgastric peritoneoscopy was performed in 7 pigs. The pigs were randomized to 14 or 28 postoperative days (POD) of follow-up. Decontamination of the access route was performed before instrumentation. A full necropsy was performed. Closure was evaluated with histopathological examination of excised gastrorrhaphies.

RESULTS

Three pigs were allowed 14 POD of follow-up, and 4 pigs were allowed 28 POD of follow-up. Survival was achieved in 6 of the 7 animals; 1 pig was euthanized due to diffuse peritonitis. Based on our definition, full-thickness healing had only been achieved in a single pig allowed 28 POD. With respect to clinical relevancy, full-thickness healing was deemed achieved in 4 of 6 pigs completing follow-up and in all pigs allowed and surviving 28 POD. Access required repeated punctures and the use of several endoscopic instruments.

CONCLUSIONS

Full-thickness healing of the gastrotomy was only found in a single case when adhering to the per protocol definition. Endoscopic ultrasonography-guided access was difficult. It lacks reproducibility and needs refinement. Despite a combined decontamination regimen, infectious complications still occurred.

Transvaginal cholecystectomy vs conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy for gallbladder disease: A meta-analysis

AIM: To compare the results of transvaginal cholecystectomy (TVC) and conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy (CLC) for gallbladder disease.

METHODS: We performed a literature search of PubMed, EMBASE, Ovid, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, MetaRegister of Controlled Trials, Chinese Medical Journal database and Wanfang Data for trials comparing outcomes between TVC and CLC. Data were extracted by two authors. Mean difference (MD), standardized mean difference (SMD), odds ratios and risk rate with 95%CIs were calculated using fixed- or random-effects models. Statistical heterogeneity was evaluated with the χ² test. The fixed-effects model was used in the absence of statistically significant heterogeneity. The random-effects model was chosen when heterogeneity was found.

RESULTS: There were 730 patients in nine controlled clinical trials. No significant difference was found regarding demographic characteristics (P > 0.5), including anesthetic risk score, age, body mass index, and abdominal surgical history between the TVC and CLC groups. Both groups had similar mortality, morbidity, and return to work after surgery. Patients in the TVC group had a lower pain score on postoperative day 1 (SMD: -0.957, 95%CI: -1.488 to -0.426, P < 0.001), needed less postoperative analgesic medication (SMD: -0.574, 95%CI: -0.807 to -0.341, P < 0.001) and stayed for a shorter time in hospital (MD: -1.004 d, 95%CI: -1.779 to 0.228, P = 0.011), but had longer operative time (MD: 17.307 min, 95%CI: 6.789 to 27.826, P = 0.001). TVC had no significant influence on postoperative sexual function and quality of life. Better cosmetic results and satisfaction were achieved in the TVC group.

CONCLUSION: TVC is safe and effective for gallbladder disease. However, vaginal injury might occur, and further trials are needed to compare TVC with CLC.

Transumbilical endoscopic cholecystectomy in a porcine model

PURPOSE

Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) is a new technique. This study describes our initial experience of NOTES and investigates the feasibility of transumbilical endoscopic cholecystectomy (TUEC).

METHODS

Eight domestic pigs were submitted to TUEC. After establishment of pneumoperitoneum, a bi-channel endoscope was placed through an infra-umbilical trocar. The gallbladder fundus was lifted by a grasper. The cystic duct and artery was dissected with a flexible hook and clipped by a clip fixing device. The specimen was extracted through the infra-umbilical trocar.

RESULTS

The mean operation time was 114 minutes, ranging from 75 to 155 minutes. All the gallbladders were removed successfully. There was one case of subtotal resection, two cases of bleeding and three cases of bile leakage.

CONCLUSION

Transumbilical endoscopic cholecystectomy is feasible although it needs more support of experiments and techniques before being applied on human subjects.

Feasibility of pure EFTR using an innovative new endoscopic suturing device: the Double-arm-bar Suturing System (with video)

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR) requires a reliable full-thickness suturing device and an endoscopic counter-traction device to prevent the collapse of the digestive tract.

OBJECTIVE

The present study aimed to assess the reliability of newly developed flexible endoscopy suturing devices and the feasibility of pure EFTR.

METHODS

A total of 30 EFTRs were performed and allocated to three groups (N = 10 for each group). The full-thickness sutures were placed using over-the-scope clips (OTSCs), hand-sewn sutures, or the Double-arm-bar Suturing System (DBSS). Air leak tests were conducted in the three groups. The times required for the placement of one OTSC suture and single-stitch simple interrupted sutures (hand-sewn and DBSS sutures, respectively) were also compared.

RESULTS

All 30 full-thickness sutures were completely and successfully placed. Regarding the air leak tests, the Mann-Whitney U test showed significant differences between OTSC and hand-sewn sutures (p = 0.003). There was also a significant difference between OTSC and DBSS sutures (p = 0.023). There was no significant difference between hand-sewn and DBSS sutures (p = 0.542). A significant difference was found in the suture time for single-stitch simple interrupted sutures among the OTSC, hand-sewn, and DBSS sutures. The Mann-Whitney U test revealed a significant difference between OTSC and hand-sewn sutures (p = 0.0001). There was no significant difference between OTSC and DBSS sutures (p = 0.533), while a significant difference was found between hand-sewn and DBSS sutures (p = 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Pure EFTR is feasible if the mechanical counter traction system is used to expand a small operative field and DBSS is used to make full-thickness sutures. The high safety of full-thickness resection and full-thickness suturing allows for clinical applications of this method.

Comparison of gastrotomy closure modalities for natural orifice transluminal surgery: a canine study

BACKGROUND

Reliable closure of the gastrotomy after transgastric natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) remains unresolved.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the technical aspects and clinical and histologic outcomes of NOTES gastrotomy closure techniques.

DESIGN

Experimental study.

SETTING

Animal laboratory.

PATIENTS

Thirty-four dogs, 14 for nonsurvival study and 20 for survival study.

INTERVENTIONS

The animals randomly received different gastrotomy closures after NOTES: endoclip, omentoplasty, over-the-scope-clip (OTSC), and hand-suturing.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Procedure time, closure strength, survival, postoperative adverse events, and histologic evaluation of wound healing.

RESULTS

Omentoplasty and OTSC groups needed shorter procedure times and fewer clips than the endoclip group. The endoclip and omentoplasty groups generated similar leakage pressures (34.5 ± 2.6 vs 42.2 ± 4.1 mm Hg, P > .05), both lower than OTSC and hand-suturing groups (81.5 ± 2.1 and 87.0 ± 3.0 mm Hg, respectively, P < .001). Of the 20 animals in the survival study (all 4 groups), only 2 of 6 in the endoclip group were killed prematurely due to sepsis. Necropsy revealed the OTSC group reached a 100% clip retention rate, higher than the endoclip (47.9%) and omentoplasty groups (44.4%, P < .05) rates. Complete healing, defined as intact and continuous gastric layers microscopically, was seen in 83.3% of animals (5 of 6) in the omentoplasty group, comparable with OTSC (4 of 6, 66.7%, P = .500) but higher than the endoclip group (1 of 6, 16.7%, P = .04).

LIMITATIONS

Animal study.

CONCLUSIONS

Omentoplasty is easier and safer for NOTES gastrotomy closure than endoclips and offers safety profile and efficacy similar to OTSC and hand-suturing.

Euro-NOTES Status Paper: from the concept to clinical practice

BACKGROUND

The concept of natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) consists of the reduction of access trauma by using a natural orifice access to the intra-abdominal cavity. This could possibly lead to less postoperative pain, quicker recovery from surgery, fewer postoperative complications, fewer wound infections, and fewer long-term problems such as hernias. The Euro-NOTES Foundation has organized yearly meetings to work on this concept to bring it safely into clinical practice. The aim of this Euro-NOTES status update is to assess the yearly scientific working group reports and provide an overview on the current clinical practice of NOTES procedures.

METHODS

After the Euro-NOTES meeting 2011 in Frankfurt, Germany, an analysis was started regarding the most important topics of the European working groups. All prospectively documented information was gathered from Euro-NOTES and D-NOTES working groups from 2007 to 2011. The top five topics were analyzed.

RESULTS

The statements of the working group activities demonstrate the growing information and changing insights. The most important selected topics were infection issue, peritoneal access, education and training, platforms and new technology, closure, suture, and anastomosis. The focus on research topics changed over time. The principle of hybrid access has overcome the technical and safety limitations of pure NOTES. Currently the following NOTES access routes are established for several indications: transvaginal access for cholecystectomy, appendectomy and colon resections; transesophageal access for myotomy; transgastric access for full-thickness small-tumor resections; and transanal/transcolonic access for rectal and colon resections.

CONCLUSIONS

NOTES and hybrid NOTES techniques have emerged for all natural orifices and were introduced into clinical practice with a good safety record. There are different indications for different natural orifices. Each technique has been optimized for the purpose of finding a safe and realistic solution to perform the procedure according to the specific indication.

Innovative noninsufflation EFTR: sufficient endoscopic operative field by mechanical counter traction device

BACKGROUND

No reliable pure natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) mechanical counter traction (MCT) device for the flexible endoscope to obtain a sufficient surgical endoscopic field has yet been developed. Our experience with 10 cases of hybrid NOTES prompted the realization of the importance of an MCT device for the flexible endoscope and inspired us to establish innovative noninsufflation endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR) with an MCT device.

METHODS

We performed 40 EFTR 40 mm in diameter on excised whole porcine stomachs. Twenty were resected by an MCT device to obtain a surgical field (MCT group), and another 20 were resected with a conventional endoscopic attachment (control group). We evaluated the successful resection rates of EFTR and procedure times between two groups. Next, we implemented EFTR with a custom prototype MCT device in three cases of stomach pseudotumors in female dogs. Gastric pseudotumors ~40 mm in diameter were marked within the open surgical field created by the MCT device. After resecting the pseudotumors, we conducted full-thickness suturing using over-the-scope clips.

RESULTS

In the MCT group, all 20 cases were completely resected. On the other hand, in the control group, only 8 cases were performed via EFTR (P < 0.01). The mean ± standard deviation EFTR procedure times for the MCT and control groups were 4.13 ± 0.824 and 36.26 ± 8.67 min, respectively (P = 0.001). In three dogs, sufficient surgical working spaces were obtained up to 78 mm (range, 65-78 mm), and full-thickness resections were performed safely and sutured with over-the-scope clips.

CONCLUSIONS

Our new prototype MCT device effectively obtains a sufficient surgical endoscopic field during EFTR. We are developing a new MCT with a bending function to perform EFTR in any location in the stomach.

Performance of the OTSC System in the endoscopic closure of iatrogenic gastrointestinal perforations: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Reliable closure is a prerequisite for conventional and innovative endoscopic procedures, such as NOTES. The purpose of this study is the systematic evaluation of the procedural and clinical success rates in closure of iatrogenic gastrointestinal perforations and acute anastomotic leaks by means of the over-the-scope-clip system (OTSC(®)).

DESIGN

PubMed and other sources were searched systematically for clinical and preclinical research on the evaluation of the OTSC System for closure of gastrointestinal perforations and leaks. Appraisal of studies for inclusion and data extraction was performed independently by two reviewers using an a priori determined data extraction grid. Major endpoints to be extracted were data on procedural success (successful clip application) and clinical access (durable closure of defect without secondary adjunct therapy).

RESULTS

A total of 17 clinical research articles/abstracts and 22 preclinical research articles/abstracts were identified. The examined clinical studies comprised case series and clinical single-arm studies. The reviewed studies revealed a consistently high mean rate of procedural success of 80-100 % and durable clinical success of 57-100 %. An identified major drawback preventing successful clip application was occurrence of fibrotic or inflamed lesion edges. Usage of the OTSC System was accompanied by neither major clip-related nor application-related complication. In experimental settings, closure of larger perforations and gastric access sites of NOTES or endoscopic full-thickness resection were achieved with high rates of success.

CONCLUSIONS

Because randomized, clinical trials are not available in this field of indication, the evaluation is based on small case series. Nevertheless, by pooling all experience gained, we conclude that endoscopic closure of iatrogenic gastrointestinal perforations and acute anastomotic leaks by means of the OTSC System is a safe and effective method.

Comparing over-the-scope clip versus endoloop and clips (KING closure) for access site closure: a randomized experimental study

BACKGROUND

A safe technique is essential for successful access site closure in Natural Orifice Translumenal Endoscopic Surgery (NOTES) and for closures of iatrogenic perforations.

AIM

To compare an over-the-scope clip (OTSC) versus an endoloop + endoclips closure technique (KING closure).

METHODS

40 minipigs underwent NOTES peritoneoscopy with liver biopsy. Gastrotomies and rectotomies were closed with OTSC (n = 20; 10× stomach, 10× rectum) or KING closure (n = 20; 10× stomach, 10× rectum). The animals were euthanized 28 days after the procedure. The main outcome variables were technical feasibility, effectiveness, and healing.

RESULTS

Stomach: All but one closure (KING) was successfully completed. The times of closure were similar between the techniques. At necropsy, all access sites were healed. In two animals (1× KING, 1× OTSC), an abscess, probably related to the closure technique, was found. Histologically, transmural healing with muscular bridging was observable in nine pigs for KING versus two pigs for OTSC closure (p = 0.003). Inflammation was present in three pigs for KING versus seven pigs for OTSC closure (p = 0.08). Rectum: All closures were successfully completed. The times of closure were similar between the techniques. At necropsy, all closure sites had healed. Transmural healing with muscular bridging was present in nine pigs for KING versus two pigs for OTSC closure (p = 0.003). Inflammation was present in two pigs for KING versus seven pigs for OTSC closure (p = 0.03). In one animal (OTSC), an enterocolic fistula developed in the proximity of the closure site.

CONCLUSIONS

OTSC and KING closure are comparable closure techniques in terms of technical feasibility and effectiveness. KING closure provides a superior histological outcome compared with OTSC closure.

Feasibility and safety of functional cholecystectomy by pure NOTES: a pilot animal study

BACKGROUND

NOTES cholecystectomy has become one of the hottest areas of research. But most of the cases need the assistance of the laparoscope. This study is conducted to evaluate the feasibility and safety of a newly proposed operative method-functional cholecystectomy by pure NOTES.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The functional cholecystectomy was performed on eight female miniature pigs. An incision was made on the vaginal wall, and an endoscope was inserted into the peritoneal cavity to create a pneumoperitoneum to expose the intra-abdominal viscera, gallbladder, and cystic duct. The cystic duct was isolated and closed with a clip. Then, an injection needle was inserted into the gallbladder to suck up the bile. After the gallbladder was washed with saline, an incision was made on the wall of the gallbladder, and the tip of the endoscope was inserted into the gallbladder cavity. After the endoscope was withdrawn, the gallbladder incision was closed with clips in four pigs and was suspended in the other four pigs. The vaginal incision was closed with clips. All the animals were closely monitored and euthanized 28 days after the procedure. Necropsy was performed.

RESULTS

The functional cholecystectomy was successfully completed in all eight pigs. No severe intraoperative complications occurred. The animals recovered well postoperatively. At necropsy, no macroscopic signs of intraperitoneal infection or bile leakage in the peritoneal cavity were observed, and the clips were still present on the cystic duct in a good position in all cases. The gallbladder incision healed, with no sign of bile leakage or injury to the adjacent organs.

CONCLUSIONS

We successfully performed the functional cholecystectomy by transvaginal approach on pigs, which appears to be feasible, safe, and convenient. Functional cholecystectomy provides a new fitting path to pure NOTES.

Patient perception of natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery in an endoscopy screening program in Korea

PURPOSE

Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) is a new method of accessing intracavitary organs in order to minimize pain by avoiding incisions in the body wall. The aim of this study is to determine patients' acceptance of NOTES in Korea and to compare their views about laparoscopic surgery and NOTES for benign and malignant diseases.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The target number of total subjects was calculated to be 540. The subjects were classified into 18 sub-groups based on age groups, gender, and history of prior surgery. The questionnaire elicited information about demographic characteristics, medical check-ups, diseases, endoscopic and surgical histories, marital status and childbirth, the acceptance of NOTES, and the preferred routes for NOTES. In addition, the subjects chose laparoscopic surgery or NOTES for a hypothetical cholecystectomy and rectal cancer surgery, and responded to questions regarding the acceptable complication rate of NOTES, the appropriate cost of NOTES, and the reason(s) why they did not select NOTES.

RESULTS

486 of 540 patients (90.0%) who agreed to participate in this study completed the questionnaire. NOTES was preferred by the following patients: elderly; a history of treatment due to a disease; having regular check-ups; and a history of an endoscopic procedure (p<0.05). The most preferred route for NOTES was the stomach (67.1%). Eighty-four percent of the patients choosing NOTES responded that the complication rate of the new surgical method should be the same or lower than laparoscopic surgery. Vague anxiety over a new surgical method was the most common reason why NOTES was not selected in benign and malignant diseases (64% and 73%), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Patients appear to be interested in the potential benefits of NOTES and would embrace it if their concerns about safety are met. We believe that qualified surgical endoscopists can meet these safety concerns, and that NOTES development has the potential to flourish.

The anal fistula claw: the OTSC clip for anal fistula closure

AIM

Surgical closure of high or complex anal fistulae is often a difficult challenge. A special Nitinol clip, the OTSC clip (Ovesco AG), was evaluated for fistula closure in a porcine model.

METHOD

A total of 20 fistulae were created in 10 animals by seton insertion. Four weeks after fistula induction the setons were removed: one internal fistula opening per animal was left untreated as control whereas the other opening was closed by the OTSC clip using a specially developed transanal clip applicator. The safety and technical feasibility of the clip application were tested. Another 4 weeks later, fistulae were macroscopically assessed for closure. For histological examination, the anorectum including the fistula tract was excised en bloc.

RESULTS

Four weeks after clip placement, all external and internal fistula openings were macroscopically closed. The clip application site presented with an increased scarring. Microscopically, 40% of residual tracts and a more intense chronic inflammation were seen in the untreated control fistulae. After clip placement, 10% of the fistulae persisted associated with a higher density of collagen fibres indicating a better fistula scarring and healing. No unexpected side-effects or complications caused by the clip were observed.

CONCLUSION

Fistula closure using the OTSC clip represents a promising sphincter-preserving minimally invasive procedure. This study demonstrated the safety and feasibility of the 'anal fistula claw' for fistula closure. In spite of limitations of the porcine model the results justify clinical applications and further investigations.

The OTSC® Proctology clip system for anorectal fistula closure: the 'anal fistula claw': case report

Abstract Surgical treatment of high or complex anal fistulas often renders unsatisfying results. This is the report of the first successful closure of such anal fistula using a special Nitinol clip and applicator, the OTSC® Proctology system (Ovesco AG, Tuebingen, Germany): A 54-year old female patient was suffering from a high transsphincteric anal fistula. After seton drainage of the fistula for ten weeks, the fistula track was debrided using a special fistula brush. After transanal clip release from the applicator, the internal fistula opening was adequately closed by the clip. Eight months after clip closure the fistula had healed and the clip was removed using the OTSC® Proctology Clip Cutter. Fistula closure using the OTSC® Proctology system represents a promising sphincter-preserving minimally invasive procedure.

Efficacy of endoscopic closure of acute perforations of the gastrointestinal tract

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Acute perforations of the gastrointestinal tract are rare, severe complications of endoscopy that usually require surgical repair. Endoscopic repair of perforations would reduce the need for surgeries; we evaluated the efficacy and safety of endoscopic closure of acute perforations of the gastrointestinal tract by using a new clip device.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective, international, multicenter study of 36 consecutive patients (15 male) with acute iatrogenic perforations (5 esophageal, 6 gastric, 12 duodenal, and 13 colonic perforation). Endoscopic repair was performed by using the Over-the-Scope-Clip according to a standardized operating procedure. Primary end point was successful closure, which was determined as endoscopic successful closure without leakage (detected by water-soluble contrast x-ray analysis), and absence of adverse events within 30 days after the procedure.

RESULTS

Immediate closure was endoscopically successful in 33 patients (92%). One patient developed an esophageal perforation while the cap was introduced, and in 2 patients the perforations did not close; these 3 patients were successfully treated with surgery. None of the patients had leakage of soluble contrast on the basis of contrast x-ray. One patient with a closed colonic perforation deteriorated clinically within 6 hours after the procedure. Despite surgery, the patient died within 36 hours. The remaining 32 patients had successful endoluminal closures; the overall success rate was 89% (95% confidence interval, 75%-96%). The mean endoscopic closure time was 5 minutes 44 seconds ± 4 minutes 15 seconds.

CONCLUSIONS

The Over-the-Scope-Clip is effective for endoluminal closure of acute iatrogenic perforations. It allows patients to avoid surgery, and 89% of patients had successful closures without adverse events.

Pure natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) with ultrasonography-guided transgastric access and over-the-scope-clip closure: a porcine feasibility and survival study

BACKGROUND

Most natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) procedures to date rely on the hybrid technique with simultaneous laparoscopic access to protect against access-related complications and to achieve adequate triangulation for dissection. This is done at the cost of the potential benefits of this new minimally invasive technique. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and safety of a transgastric (TG) pure-NOTES procedure in a diagnostic setting.

METHODS

A TG pure-NOTES procedure with endoscopic ultrasonograpy (EUS)-guided access and over-the-scope-clip (OTSC) closure was performed for 10 pigs in a survival and feasibility study. A full macroscopic necropsy with subsequent histologic evaluation was performed on postoperative day (POD) 14. The outcome parameters were uncomplicated follow-up assessment, survival, intraoperative complications, intraabdominal pathology, macroscopic full-thickness closure, and histology-proven full-thickness healing of the gastrotomy.

RESULTS

An uncomplicated postoperative course was reported for 9 of the 10 pigs, and survival was reported for all 10 pigs. For all the pigs, EUS-guided access was performed successfully with a median duration of 25 min (range, 12-62 min) and without intraoperative complications or access-related lesions at necropsy. An OTSC closure was achieved with a median duration of 11 min (range, 3-28 min). The OTSC provided immediate closure, but according to the authors' definition of a full-thickness healing evaluated by histologic examination, this was not achieved in any of the cases. Although all the animals survived until POD 14, intraabdominal chronic abscesses were present in 3 of the 10 pigs at necropsy.

CONCLUSIONS

The EUS-guided TG access proved to be feasible without access-related complications. Although OTSC provided an immediate closure, the histopathology raised concerns regarding the risk of perforation. Together with the high risk of intraabdominal infection, TG pure-NOTES is not yet ready for routine clinical practice.

Transgastric pure-NOTES peritoneoscopy and endoscopic ultrasonography for staging of gastrointestinal cancers: a survival and feasibility study

BACKGROUND

Human natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) has mainly been based on simultaneous laparoscopic assistance (hybrid NOTES), forgoing the theoretical benefits of the NOTES technique. This is due to a lack of NOTES-specific instruments and endoscopes, making pure-NOTES procedures difficult and time consuming. An area where pure NOTES could be adopted at its present stage of development is minimally invasive staging of gastrointestinal (GI) cancer. The aim of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of combining transgastric (TG) pure-NOTES peritoneoscopy and intraperitoneal endoscopic ultrasonography (ip-EUS) with intraluminal EUS (il-EUS) for peritoneal evaluation.

METHODS

This was a feasibility and survival study where il-EUS followed by ip-EUS and peritoneoscopy was performed in 10 pigs subjected to TG pure NOTES. A score was given with regard to achieved visualisation of predefined anatomical structures. Survival was assessed at postoperative day (POD) 14.

RESULTS

All animals survived until POD 14. Median total procedural time was 94 min (range 74-130 min). Median time for il-EUS, ip-EUS and peritoneoscopy was 11 min (range 7-14 min), 13 min (range 8-20 min) and 10 min (range 6-23 min). Il-EUS, ip-EUS and peritoneoscopy resulted in a score of 15/15 points (range 14-15 points), 6/9 points (range 1-8 points) and 12/13 points (range 8-13 points).

CONCLUSIONS

TG pure-NOTES peritoneoscopy and ip-EUS combined with il-EUS is feasible and provides sufficient peritoneal evaluation. The technique could have potential for minimally invasive staging of GI cancers.

A new in vivo method for testing closures of gastric NOTES incisions using leak of the closure or gastric yield as endpoints

BACKGROUND

We developed a non-survival in vivo model for testing of gastric natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) closures based on the gastric yield pressure. The aim of this study was to test our model comparing different endoscopic closure techniques with surgical closure of a NOTES gastric incision.

METHODS

Laparotomy was performed in 30 pigs. One tube for air inflation and one manometry tube were inserted into the stomach via the pylorus, which was closed gas-tight, and the abdominal wall was closed. The stomach was inflated with air, and the gastroesophageal yield pressure was measured. A gastroscopy was performed, and a standard NOTES access was created followed by randomization to closure by surgical suturing, T-tags, Padlock-G over-the-scope (OTS)-clips, OVESCO OTS-clips, and traditional clips. All closures were tested twice with air insufflation. Gastric yield pressure or leak pressure of each closure was recorded.

RESULTS

The mean baseline gastric yield pressure was 80.5 mm Hg. Post-closure yield pressure was 79.9 mm Hg. Leak test results after closure were as follows: surgery, 0/6 leaked; T-tags, 1/6 leaked before reaching yield pressure (56 mm Hg); Padlock-G, 2/5 leaked (71.5 mm Hg); OVESCO OTS-clips, 3/6 leaked (27.2 mm Hg); and traditional clips, 5/6 leaked (27.2 mm Hg). TAS T-tags and surgical closures leaked significantly less than the other groups (P=.01). Traditional clips and OVESCO OTS-clips leaked at significantly lower pressures than the other three groups (P=.007).

CONCLUSION

This in vivo model using leak of the closure or the gastric yield pressure as endpoints for testing of the closure strength of a NOTES gastric access site seems to be reproducible. Our results support closure with T-tags and Padlock-G-clips over OVESCO OTS-clips and standard endoscopic clips.

Early, minimally invasive closure of anastomotic leaks: a new concept

Chronic pelvic sepsis after ileoanal or coloanal anastomosis precludes ileostomy closure and, even if closure is ultimately possible, function of the neorectum is badly affected. Early closure of the anastomotic leak might prevent chronic pelvic sepsis and its adverse sequelae. In our experience of early closure in a consecutive group of six patients with a leaking low anastomosis (five with ileoanal pouch anastomosis and one after a low anterior resection), we were able to achieve anastomotic closure in five by means of initial endosponge therapy followed either by early suture (four patients) or endoscopic clip repair (one patient). Early minimally invasive closure of low anastomotic leaks is therefore possible provided that the para-anastomotic cavity is drained well prior to closure and the anastomosis is defunctioned.