Endoclip therapy of post-sphincterotomy bleeding using a transparent cap-fitted forward-viewing gastroscope

The incidence of post-endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) bleeding is reportedly 2.0-5.0 %. Among various hemostatic methods, endoclip therapy is an effective modality in gastrointestinal bleeding. However, endoclip application for post-ES hemorrhage has not been widely studied, partly because of the difficulty in placing of clips using a duodenoscope. A cap-fitted forward-viewing gastroscope can easily visualize the major papilla and overcome the technical difficulty in applying endoclips. We aimed to determine the efficacy and safety of endoclips for the treatment of post-ES hemorrhage using a cap-fitted forward-viewing gastroscope.

From January 2011 to December 2015, a total of 1448 endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography procedures with ES were retrospectively assessed and followed-up. Patients with post-ES hemorrhage who did not respond to balloon compression or to spray or injection of a diluted epinephrine solution at the bleeding focus underwent endoclip therapy using a cap-fitted forward-viewing gastroscope. Bleeding patterns (oozing, pulsatile, and exposed vessel) were recorded.

ES-induced uncontrolled hemorrhage occurred in 57 patients (3.93 %). The mean age was 68.9 ± 14.5 years, and the sex ratio (male/female) was 37 (64.9 %):20 (35.1 %) in 57 patients. Of the 57 cases of hemorrhage, early uncontrolled and delayed hemorrhage occurred in 45 (3.1 %) and 12 (0.82 %), respectively. Visible bleeding patterns following ES were: 50 oozing (57.7 %), 6 pulsatile (10.5 %), and 1 exposed vessel (1.8 %). Hemostasis was achieved by endoclipping using a cap-fitted forward-viewing gastroscope in 57 of 57 patients (100 %). The median number of clips used was 1.8 (range 1-3). No evidence of further bleeding or procedure-related complications was seen.

We concluded that endoclip application using a cap-fitted forward-viewing gastroscope is feasible and safe and may be an effective technique for the treatment and/or prevention of post-ES hemorrhage.