A technique for safe ulcer floor closure using an over-the-scope clip after endoscopic submucosal dissection of lesions adjacent to the ampulla of Vater

In duodenal endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), complete defect closure is required because exposure of the post-ESD ulcer floor to pancreatic juice and bile can lead to delayed perforation and bleeding [1] [2] [3]. Closure with an over-the-scope (OTS) clip has been reported as being convenient and useful in the prevention of postoperative adverse events [1] [2]. However, if lesions are adjacent to the ampulla of Vater, there is a risk of severe pancreatitis developing because the ampulla of Vater may get sucked into the hood and be closed with an OTS clip during ulcer floor closure [4]. It is impossible to ensure exclusion of the ampulla of Vater during ulcer floor closure, because the ulcer floor needs to be sucked with full force into the hood, along with the surrounding normal mucosa, which inevitably results in a blind operation when the OTS clip is released. Therefore, previously, we have had to abandon closure with an OTS clip, having no choice but to perform endoscopic drainage [5]. Herein, we introduce a technique for safe closure of a post-ESD ulcer floor adjacent to the ampulla of Vater with an OTS clip.

The entire procedure is shown in [Video 1]. First, an anchor clip is placed on the ampulla side of the ulcer floor, with this clip playing a very important role in preventing accidental closure of the ampulla of Vater ([Fig. 1 a, b]). The OTS clip is then attached and the endoscope is re-inserted up to the ulcer floor. Subsequently, after it has been confirmed that the anchor clip is outside the hood, the entire ulcer floor is fully aspirated and the OTS clip is placed ([Fig. 1 c, d]). Thereby, the risk of the ampulla of Vater getting sucked into the hood is definitely avoided.

Video 1 A technique for safe ulcer floor closure using an over-the-scope clip after endoscopic submucosal dissection of a lesion adjacent to the ampulla of Vater.

Fig. 1 Endoscopic images showing: a the ulcer floor after endoscopic submucosal dissection of a lesion adjacent to the ampulla of Vater; b an anchor clip placed on the ampulla side of the ulcer floor; c an over-the-scope (OTS) clip being placed after confirming the anchor clip is outside the hood; d complete closure of the ulcer floor with the OTS clip, with accidental closure of the ampulla of Vater having been avoided.

With the use of an endoclip as an anchor, even post-ESD ulcer floors that are adjacent to the ampulla of Vater can be safely closed with an OTS clip.

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Publication History

Article published online:
09 August 2021

• References

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