Endoscopic management of common patologies with a new suturing system

Overstitch endoscopic suturing system (Apollo Endosurgery. Austin, Texas) was created for NOTES procedures.As it demonstrated to be feasible, secure and effective in this field, further studies have evaluated its use in common gastrointestinal disorders in which current therapeutic tools, endoscopic or not, are not efficient or safe enough. Published results are promising. We present our initial experience with this system in the management of pathologies we usually face in our clinical practice.

Suturing system was evaluated for: 1. Endoscopic fixation of metallic stent to prevent migration in patients with gastrointestinal non-neoformative pathology. 2. Outlet reduction in patients with weight regain following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

During a period of 6 months Overstitch endoscopic suturing system was used in 5 patients: For stent fixation in 3 and for outlet reduction in 2. Technical success: Suture was performed in all the patients. Only 1 stitch was lost. Effectiveness: Stent fixation and outlet reduction were achieved in all the patients.However, in 1 patient the final anastomotic size was not close enough. Clinical success: Clinical recovery was achieved in all the patients in whom endoscopic stent fixation was performed. Thepatient which appropriated outlet closure developed a significant weight loss. The patient in which final size was not close enough did not lose weight.

We found Overstitch endoscopic suturing system feasible, safe and effective, as it has been previously described. We encourage the publication of further studies evaluating the real utility of this tool, mostly taking into account that it allows a successful management of usual disorders for which there are not current effective therapies.