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Minimally invasive endoscopic antireflux therapies are critical for bridging the gap between medical and surgical treatments for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Although multiple endoscopic devices have been developed, perhaps some of the most exciting options that are currently evolving are the full-thickness suturing techniques using widely available and low-cost platforms. Full-thickness endoscopic suturing can allow for a highly durable recreation of the anatomic and functional components of a lower esophageal sphincter, which are deficient in patients with GERD. Proper patient selection, endoscopic hiatal hernia evaluation, and standardized suturing methods are necessary to ensure success of endoscopic suturing for antireflux therapy., Competing Interests: Disclosure P.C. Benias is a consultant for Apollo Endosurgery. All other authors indicate no financial disclosures or financial conflicts of interest relevant to this publication., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: We report our institution's experience with endoscopic suturing and hypothesize that it has high technical and clinical success., Methods: This is a retrospective review of patients who underwent a procedure with the endoscopic suturing system between April 2010 and March 2019. Definitions of technical and clinical success were established for each application., Results: Overall technical and clinical success in 151 procedures was 97.4% and 74.2%, respectively. Endoscopic suturing was used 24 times to treat leaks or fistulas, with a clinical success rate of 55.6%. The clinical success of stent fixations (11) was 72.7%. Intentional mucosal and submucosal defects were closed 20 times with a clinical success of 83.3%. Iatrogenic perforations (9) were repaired with a clinical success of 87.5%. Marginal ulcers were oversewn (5), with an 80% clinical success rate. Diverticulopexy in the esophagus was clinically successful in two patients. Endoscopic suturing was used in endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty in 10 patients and endoscopic gastrojejunostomy revision in 70 patients; weight loss was observed in both groups at up to 2 and 5 years, respectively., Conclusions: Endoscopic suturing was used successfully in numerous situations spanning the gastrointestinal tract with high rates of technical and clinical success.

Obesity is a public health pandemic and leading contributor to morbidity and mortality. Endoscopic bariatric therapies have emerged as a viable minimally invasive treatment option to fill the therapeutic gap between conservative and surgical approaches. The ability to reliably place full-thickness sutures throughout the gastrointestinal tract has opened the door to novel endoscopic gastric restrictive procedures. A growing body of literature supports endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty as a safe, effective, and reproducible endoscopic treatment of obesity and metabolic syndrome. In addition, endoscopic sutured revision procedures following gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy are now first-line with demonstrable safety and long-term efficacy., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Management options for marginal ulcers (MU) vary from medical therapy to revision surgery. Medical therapy is often ineffective and revision surgery is associated with a high morbidity and possible recurrence., Aims: To evaluate technical feasibility, efficacy, and safety of endoscopic management of MU by covering the ulcer bed using oversewing and/or deploying a fully covered self-expandable metallic stent (FCSEMS)., Methods: Medical records of consecutive patients who underwent endoscopic suturing and/or FCSEMS deployment for recalcitrant MU between August 2016 and June 2017 at a single academic center were reviewed. Recalcitrant MU was defined as an ulcer that persists after 6 to 8 weeks despite maximal medical therapy (open capsule PPI, 40 mg bid as well as sucralfate qid), cessation of smoking and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and Helicobacter pylori eradication., Results: Eleven patients (age range 31-60; all females) with mean BMI of 27.72 ± 5.93 kg/m 2 underwent endoscopic suturing and/or stent deployment for recalcitrant MU with abdominal pain at a median of 50 months (range 3-120) post-Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). Seven patients were managed by oversewing, two were managed by FCSEMS, and two patients required both. Technical success was 100%. All patients reported resolution of abdominal pain at 1 week. Surveillance endoscopy performed in 10/11 (90.9%) patients at 8 weeks revealed complete ulcer healing in 9/10 (90%). No adverse events were reported., Conclusion: Endoscopic management is an effective and safe method to treat MU and should be considered an alternative to surgical revision. It appears effective for perforated and recalcitrant MU.

Background: Marginal ulceration post Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) with associated bleeding, although infrequently encountered, can be challenging to treat. Flexible endoscopic therapy is preferred over surgery due to its minimally invasive nature. Bleeding ulcers have traditionally been treated endoscopically by injecting epinephrine, bipolar hemostasis, or clips. Here, we describe our treatment with endoscopic suturing for a massively bleeding marginal ulcer after RYGB., Methods: A 56-year-old female 10 days post RYGB underwent her fourth endoscopy for investigation and management of hematemesis and was found to have a large bleeding anastomotic ulcer. A Rothnet was utilized to remove large blood clots which obstructed endoscopic visualization. Two marginal ulcers were noted, and these were successfully oversewn with endoscopic suturing. The multimedia video (7 min) demonstrates the management of massively bleeding marginal ulcer after RYGB by endoscopic suturing., Results: Patient had no further bleeding and tolerated diet the subsequent day. She was discharged home with no further episodes of hematemesis, and follow-up at 6 weeks showed well-healed ulcer on endoscopy., Conclusion: Endoscopic suturing of a bleeding marginal ulcer appears technically feasible and safe. It should be considered in the treatment algorithm prior to emergency surgery.

Background: Despite advances in many areas of therapeutic endoscopy, the development of an effective endoscopic suturing device has been elusive. The purpose of this trial was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a suturing device to place and secure sutures within normal, in vivo human colonic tissue prior to surgical resection., Methods: Patients undergoing elective colectomy were enrolled in this treat-and-resect model. The Overstitch endoscopic suturing device (Apollo Endosurgery, Austin, TX) was used to place sutures in healthy colonic tissue during a 15-minute, time-limited period. Following colectomy, the explanted tissue was evaluated to determine the depth of suture penetration and the effectiveness of the suture/cinch element. Clinical and operative data were recorded., Results: Four patients (50% female) were enrolled. Seven sutures were successfully placed, incorporating a total of 10 tissue bites in a mean of 13.5 minutes. On inspection of the explanted tissue, all sutures were found to be located subserosal (no full thickness bites were taken). The suture and cinch elements were judged to be effective in the majority of cases. One device-related issue did not inhibit the ability to oppose tissue or place the cinch. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications., Conclusions: The Overstitch permitted safe and effective suturing in an in vivo human colon model. The sutures were placed at a consistent subserosal depth and at no point risked iatrogenic injury to adjacent structures. Technical issues with the device were infrequent and did not inhibit the ability to place sutures effectively.

Background: Per-oral plication of the (neo)esophagus (POPE) is an endoscopic procedure used to improve emptying of the defunctionalized esophagus or gastric conduit, with the hope of improving symptoms and quality of life. As this procedure has only been performed in the United States for the past 4 years, safety and efficacy have not been well established. Methods: This is a retrospective case series for patients who underwent POPE from a single institution between 2019 and 2023. Data collected included demographics, preoperative diagnoses and treatments, imaging, endoscopic data, operative intervention, 90-day complications, and response to treatment. Quality of life and patient satisfaction data were collected by phone survey. Results: Seventeen cases were identified, encompassing 13 primary procedures and 4 repeat POPEs (re-POPE). Eight patients had end-stage achalasia and 5 had impaired gastric emptying after esophagectomy with gastric conduits. Median age was 65 years and median ASA was 3, with 38.5% female patients. POPE was performed with 2–6 plication sutures in an average of 75 min. The majority of patients discharged home the same day. For the 17 procedures, there were 4 complications. Two patients required antibiotics for pneumonia, while 4 required procedural intervention. There were no deaths. Preoperative symptoms improved or resolved at initial follow up in 82.3% of patients. Four patients experienced symptom recurrence and required re-POPE, 1 with achalasia and 3 with gastric conduits. Although all achalasia patients had an "end-stage esophagus," none have required esophagectomy since the introduction of POPE. Conclusions: POPE is an endoscopic procedure that is efficacious in relieving emptying difficulties for the end-stage esophagus and gastric conduit. It may obviate the need for esophagectomy or conduit replacement. Also, it can be repeated in select patients. While the risk profile of complications is favorable compared to alternative operations, patients with gastric conduits are at higher risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Leaks following bariatric surgery, while rare, are potentially fatal due to risk of peritonitis and sepsis. Anastomotic leaks and gastro-gastric fistulae following Roux-En-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) as well as staple line leaks after sleeve gastrectomy have historically been treated multimodally with surgical drainage, aggressive antibiotic therapy, and more recently, endoscopically. Endoscopic clipping using over-the-scope clips and endoscopic suturing are two of the most common approaches used to achieve full thickness closure. Methods: A systematic literature search was performed in PubMed to identify articles on the use of endoscopic clipping or suturing for the treatment of leaks and fistulae following bariatric surgery. Studies focusing on stents, and those that incorporated multiple closure techniques simultaneously, were excluded. Literature review and meta-analysis were performed with the PRISMA guidelines. Results: Five studies with 61 patients that underwent over-the-scope clip (OTSC) closure were included. The pooled proportion of successful closure across the studies was 81.1% (95% CI 67.3 to 91.7). The successful closure rates were homogeneous (I2 = 39%, p = 0.15). Three studies with 92 patients that underwent endoscopic suturing were included. The weighted pooled proportion of successful closure across the studies was shown to be 22.4% (95% CI 14.6 to 31.3). The successful closure rates were homogeneous (I2 = 0%, p = 0.44). Three of the studies, totaling 34 patients, examining OTSC deployment reported data for reintervention rate. The weighted pooled proportion of reintervention across the studies was 35.0% (95% CI 11.7 to 64.7). We noticed statistically significant heterogeneity (I2 = 68%, p = 0.04). One study, with 20 patients examining endoscopic suturing, reported rate of repeat intervention 60%. Conclusion: Observational reports show that patients managed with OTSC were more likely to experience healing of their defect than those managed with endoscopic suturing. Larger controlled studies comparing different closure devices for bariatric leaks should be carried out to better understand the ideal endoscopic approach to these complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has consistently been the most frequently diagnosed gastrointestinal malady in the USA. The mainstay of therapy has traditionally been medical management, including lifestyle and dietary modifications as well as antacid medications. In those patients found to be refractory to medical management or with a contraindication to medications, the next step up has been surgical anti-reflux procedures. Recently, though innovative advancements in therapeutic endoscopy have created numerous options for the endoscopic management of GERD, in this review, we discuss the various endoscopic therapy options, as well as suggested strategies we use to recommend the most appropriate therapy for patients.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection is an established method for complete resection of large and early gastrointestinal tumors. However, methods to reduce bleeding, perforation, and other adverse events after endoscopic resection (ER) have not yet been defined. Mucosal defect closure is often performed endoscopically with a clip. Recently, reopenable clips and large‐teeth clips have also been developed. The over‐the‐scope clip enables complete defect closure by withdrawing the endoscope once and attaching the clip. Other methods involve attaching the clip‐line or a ring with an anchor to appose the edges of the mucosal defect, followed by the use of an additional clip for defect closure. Since clips are limited by their grasping force and size, other methods, such as endoloop closure, endoscopic ligation with O‐ring closure, and the reopenable clip over‐the‐line method, have been developed. In recent years, techniques often utilized for full‐thickness ER of submucosal tumors have been widely used in full‐thickness defect closure. Specialized devices and techniques for defect closure have also been developed, including the curved needle and line, stitches, and an endoscopic tack and suture device. These clips and suture devices are applied for defect closure in emergency endoscopy, accidental perforations, and acute and chronic fistulas. Although endoscopic defect closure with clips has a high success rate, endoscopists need to simplify and promote endoscopic closure techniques to prevent adverse events after ER. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Endoscopic stenting is the standard of care for full thickness esophageal wall defects. The aim of this study is to evaluate outcomes of endoscopic closure of esophageal defects using stenting, with or without endoscopic suturing.Methods: This is a single-center retrospective study of patients with esophageal wall defects who underwent endoscopic interventions. Outcomes of stenting with or without endoscopic suturing of the defect were assessed. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to examine factors associated with successful defect closure.Results: One hundred and fourteen patients with esophageal wall defects underwent 254 endoscopies with an overall complete closure rate of 75.8%. Twenty-three (20.2%) patients underwent primary closure using endoscopic suturing and subsequent esophageal stenting, while 91 (79.8%) underwent esophageal stenting only. The dual modality group (versus the stent-only group) had similar defect closure rates (84.2 vs. 73.8%, p = 0.55) and time to stent migration (37 vs. 12.5 days, p = 0.07), but was associated with longer procedure times (60 vs. 36 min, p < 0.01) and fewer additional endoscopic procedures (13.6 vs. 43.2%, p = 0.01). Stent suturing significantly decreased migration (35.5 vs. 58.5%, p = 0.04), was associated with fewer additional endoscopies (15.4 vs. 50%, p < 0.01) and reduced need for additional stents (7.7 vs. 34.3%, p < 0.01). On multivariate analysis, chronic defects (> four weeks old) were 81% less likely to close compared to acute (≤ 4 weeks) defects (OR 0.19, CI 0.04-0.77, p = 0.02), and large diameter stents (23 mm) were associated with higher odds of defect closure (OR 3.36, CI 1.02-11.4, p = 0.04).Conclusion: Endoscopic treatment of esophageal wall defects is safe, effective, and more likely to be successful in acute defects using larger caliber stents. Stent suturing reduces migration, need for additional endoscopic procedures, and stent exchanges. Further comparative studies with larger cohorts are needed to validate our results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Management of upper gastrointestinal leaks is challenging. A new potential treatment option for this complication is endoscopic suturing with the OverStitch system (Apollo Endosurgery, Texas, USA), which is today mainly used for endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty. The aim of this study was to analyze the efficacy and feasibility of this new treatment option in patients with leaks in the upper gastrointestinal tract.Methods: We performed a retrospective, single-center study of all patients who underwent endoscopic suturing with OverStitch of leaks in the upper gastrointestinal tract.Results: Endoscopic suturing was performed on 13 patients (mean age, 59.62 ± 16.29 years; mean leak size, 22.31 ± 22.6 mm) over a period of 8 months. Postoperative leaks were detected in 10 patients (76.9%) after foregut surgery. Interventional success was achieved in all endoscopic attempts (n = 16, 100%) with a mean closure time of 28.0 ± 12.36 min per patient. Follow-up technical success rate for each suture was (n = 8, 50.0%). Clinical success, including repeated suture attempts was achieved in 8 of the 13 patients (61.5%). These 8 patients had not received prior treatment for the leak. No immediate or delayed serious complications occurred as a result of OverStitch. The mean follow-up was 95 ± 91.07 days.Conclusions: Endoscopic suturing with OverStitch for leaks in the upper gastrointestinal tract is feasible and effective in patients who have not received prior treatment. This minimally invasive technique seems to be a promising option especially for patients with large leaks and significant comorbidities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: Three-dimensional (3D) flexible endoscopy, a new imaging modality that provides a stereoscopic view, can facilitate endoscopic hand suturing (EHS), a novel intraluminal suturing technique. This ex-vivo pilot study evaluated the usefulness of 3D endoscopy in EHS. Methods: Four endoscopists (two certified, two non-certified) performed EHS in six sessions on a soft resin pad. Each session involved five stitches, under alternating 3D and two-dimensional (2D) conditions. Suturing time (sec/session), changes in suturing time, and accuracy of suturing were compared between 2D and 3D conditions. Results: The mean suturing time was shorter in 3D than in 2D (9.8±3.4 min/session vs. 11.2±5.1 min/session) conditions and EHS was completed faster in 3D conditions, particularly by non-certified endoscopists. The suturing speed increased as the 3D sessions progressed. Error rates (failure to grasp the needle, failure to thread the needle, and puncture retrial) in the 3D condition were lower than those in the 2D condition, whereas there was no apparent difference in deviation distance. Conclusions: 3D endoscopy may contribute to increasing the speed and accuracy of EHS in a short time period. Stereoscopic viewing during 3D endoscopy may help in efficient skill acquisition for EHS, particularly among novice endoscopists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Historically, the gold standard management of esophageal perforations, leaks, and fistulae has been traditional open surgery, but it is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Minimally invasive approaches offer alternatives to surgery in treating hemodynamically stable patients with such defects. In this review article, we will discuss the recent advancements in the minimally invasive management of esophageal perforations, leaks, and fistulas. Areas covered: This review includes information from case reports, case series, and clinical trials on minimally invasive management of esophageal perforations, leaks, and fistulas. The focus is on the devices, outcomes, and application of the technology. Expert commentary: Minimally invasive treatment represents significant progress in the management of esophageal perforations, leaks, and fistulas. Based on current evidence, it seems safe and effective but it is evolving and more studies are needed to help draw definitive conclusions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To describe a novel technique for the prevention of recurrent percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy‐jejunostomy (PEG‐J) tube dislodgements and assess its feasibility and efficacy. This technique utilizes endoscopic suturing to secure the PEG‐J tube to the gastric wall. Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of consecutive cases of recurrent PEG‐J tube dislodgements referred to a single endoscopist between June 2016 and June 2017, using an endoscopic suturing system to secure the PEG‐J tube directly to the gastric wall. Technical success rates, the procedure time and related adverse events were analyzed. Results: There were five patients in total (three females). The procedure was technically successful in all patients. There were no procedure‐related adverse events. The mean duration of follow‐up was 7.8 ± 5.1 months. Two patients had accidental dislodgement at 8.5 and 12 months, respectively. There were no other unintended dislodgements. Conclusion: Endoscopic suturing with internal fixation of PEG‐J tube is a safe and feasible approach to manage recurrent unintended dislodgements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is the most commonly performed bariatric procedure. Despite its high efficacy, some patients regain part of their lost weight. Several endoscopic therapies have been introduced as alternatives to treat weight regain, but most of the articles are relatively small with unclear long-term data. To systematically assess the efficacy of endoscopic therapies for weight regain after RYGB. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane, OVID, CINAHL/EBSCo, LILACS/Bireme, and gray literature. Primary outcomes were absolute weight loss (AWL), excess weight loss (EWL), and total body weight loss (TBWL). Thirty-two studies were included in qualitative analysis. Twenty-six described full-thickness (FT) endoscopic suturing and pooled AWL, EWL, and TBWL at 3 months were 8.5 ± 2.9 kg, 21.6 ± 9.3%, and 7.3 ± 2.6%, respectively. At 6 months, they were 8.6 ± 3.5 kg, 23.7 ± 12.3%, and 8.0 ± 3.9%, respectively. At 12 months, they were 7.63 ± 4.3 kg, 16.9 ± 11.1%, and 6.6 ± 5.0%, respectively. Subgroup analysis showed that all outcomes were significantly higher in the group with FT suturing combined with argon plasma coagulation (APC) ( p < 0.0001). Meta-analysis included 15 FT studies and showed greater results. Three studies described superficial-thickness suturing with pooled AWL of 3.0 ± 3.8, 4.4 ± 0.07, and 3.7 ± 7.4 kg at 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively. Two articles described APC alone with mean AWL of 15.4 ± 2.0 and 15.4 ± 9.1 kg at 3 and 6 months, respectively. Full-thickness suturing is effective at treating weight regain after RYGB. Performing APC prior to suturing seems to result in greater weight loss. Head-to-head studies are needed to confirm our results. Few studies adequately assess effectiveness of other endoscopic techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A gastrointestinal fistula is a common occurrence, especially after surgery. Patients who develop a fistula may have an infection, surgically altered anatomy, nutritional deficiency, or organ failure, making surgical revision more difficult. With advancements in flexible endoscopic devices and technology, new endoscopic options are available for the management of gastrointestinal fistulae. Endoscopically deployable stents, endoscopic suturing devices, through-the-scope and over-the-scope clips, sealants, and fistula plugs can be used to treat fistulae. These therapies are even more effective in combination. Despite the inherent challenges in patients with fistulae, endoscopic therapies for treatment of fistulae have demonstrated safety and efficacy, allowing many patients to avoid surgical fistula repair. In this paper, we review the emerging role of endoscopy in the management of gastrointestinal fistulae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Endoscopic suturing devices offer interesting access for interventional procedures used on the gastrointestinal tract. For the time being, the main indication is endoluminal suturing at the gastroesophageal junction for the management of gastroesophageal reflux disease. There is some evidence that endoluminal endoscopic suturing offers an alternative to the closure of esophageal fistulas and to the fixation of feeding tubes and stents in the near future. A review of the literature found no anatomic data on wall layers stitched by sutures. The aim of this study was to determine the depth of sutures placed endoscopically in the esophagus of a human cadaver model.Methods: Altogether, 62 sutures were placed in the esophagi of 10 cadavers (complete exenterative cadaver model) at three different suction levels (0.4, 0.6, and 0.8 bar) using the EndoCinch suturing machine. After preparation of the esophagus from its mediastinal bed, all sutures were fixed in formalin and stained with hematoxylin and eosin for histologic examination.Results: No sutures were placed in the mucosa alone. As observed, 1.6% were placed in the submucosa, 4.8% in the circular muscularis propria, and 56.5% in the longitudinal muscularis propria, with 37% placed transmurally. At a suction level of 0.4 bar (0.6, 0.8 bar), 0% (0%, 1.6%) were placed in the submucosa, 3.2% (0%, 1.6%) in the circular muscularis propria, and 11% (25.8%, 12.9%) in the longitudinal muscularis propria, with 12.9% (6.5%, 17.7%) placed transmurally.Conclusions: This study reports, for the first time, a systematic examination of the depth of sutures placed endoscopically in the esophagus. Most of the sutures were found in the muscular wall of the esophagus at a suction level of 0.6 bar. Also, transmural placements were seen. Reduction of suction pressure may lead to a decrease in transmural sutures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background : Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease is a common disease entity with approximately 7% of European adults experiencing significant daily symptoms. The impact of reflux disease on the quality of life is considerable. Complications of reflux disease include oesophagitis, stricture, Barrett's and pulmonary symptoms. Most patients can be adequately managed by treatment with a proton-pump inhibitor. However, symptom relapse is common after cessation of therapy, thus many patients are committed to life-long therapy. Until recently, anti-reflux surgery was the single therapeutic alternative. Now, novel endoscopic techniques have become available to treat patients suffering from reflux disease. Application of these techniques is challenging. Methods: Update on new endoscopic techniques for treatment of reflux disease. Results: Currently available endoscopic techniques include endoscopic suturing, radiofrequency ablation and biopolymer injection. Interventions typically take 30-40 min and can be performed under conscious sedation. First reports describe successful reduction of symptoms. Six months after therapy, reportedly 58%-85% of patients are off proton-pump inhibition. Yet, there are conflicting results on 24-h pH measurement and insufficient data on the mechanism of altered oesophageal motility. Long-term data are not yet available. In our series of over 50 procedures, no serious complications have occurred. Conclusions: Endoscopic treatment of reflux disease is feasible and safe. Techniques reduce both symptoms and medication use associated with the disease, albeit with an uncertain long-term outcome. As pursuit of this technology is appealing, techniques are being introduced before thorough comparison and evaluation of therapeutic benefit have been completed. Comparative studies between conventional anti-reflux treatment and various luminal anti-reflux therapies are needed and long-term efficacy remains to be established. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]