Over-the-scope clip for endoscopic closure of gastrogastric fistulae

Gastrogastric fistulae (GGF) are a well-known complication of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). Endoscopic approaches for closure of GGF have gained popularity, but with limited data and efficacy.

The primary arm of the study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the endoscopic closure of GGF using the over-the-scope clip (OTSC) device.

University hospital, United States METHODS: This is a retrospective review of consecutive patients at a single academic center from September 2013 to December 2014 who underwent upper endoscopy with attempted OTSC placement for closure of GGF related to RYGB. Preprocedural, procedural, and postprocedural data were collected. Outcome measures included technical success, primary success, and long-term success.

A total of 14 patients underwent attempted GGF closure using OTSC. Twelve of the 14 patients (85.7%) had technical success. Four patients were lost to follow-up. Primary success was achieved in 5 of the 10 patients (50%) in which it was assessed, either by upper gastrointestinal series or endoscopy. One of the 5 patients who had primary success was then lost to follow-up. Of the 4 patients in whom primary success was achieved and had long-term follow up, 75% (n = 3) achieved long-term success at a mean follow-up of 6.6 months from initial OTSC placement (range, 3-9), making for a long-term success rate of 33% (3/9). There were no reported complications.

OTSC closure of small GGF is feasible, safe, and offers a reasonable alternative to surgical revision. Large GGF may undergo attempted endoscopic closure, acknowledging a high failure rate.