Over-the-Scope Clip to the Rescue! A Novel Tool for Refractory Acute Nonvariceal Upper Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage

Abstract

Nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage (NVUGIH) is more prevalent than lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage and carries a high risk of mortality in the elderly, especially those with significant cardiovascular comorbidities. Traditional endoscopic methods, such as through-the-scope clips, electrocautery, and epinephrine injection, are frequently used to control these bleeds; however, they carry a 10% risk of rebleeding, and this itself carries a mortality risk of 36%. The larger over-the-scope clips (OTSC) that were initially used for the closure of fistulas and perforations are now gradually being implemented to manage NVUGIH. To our knowledge, we present the first cases to be reported in the literature where OTSC was successfully used as salvage therapy for refractory acute upper gastrointestinal bleeders who failed traditional endoscopic management and interventional radiology-guided embolization of the bleeding artery. We also provide an up-to-date literature review on the use of OTSC and its superiority to traditional endoscopic interventions in the management of complicated NVUGIH.