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World J Gastroenterol. Jun 28, 2014; 20(24): 7767-7776
Published online Jun 28, 2014. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i24.7767
Published online Jun 28, 2014. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i24.7767
Novel treatment options for perforations of the upper gastrointestinal tract: Endoscopic vacuum therapy and over-the-scope clips
Rudolf Mennigen, Norbert Senninger, Mike G Laukoetter, Department of General and Visceral Surgery, University Hospital Muenster, D-48149 Muenster, Germany
Author contributions: Mennigen R and Laukoetter MG performed the review of the literature, analyzed the data, wrote the manuscript, and approved the final version to be published; Senninger N initiated the review, analyzed the data, revised the manuscript critically for important intellectual content, and approved the final version to be published.
Correspondence to: Rudolf Mennigen, MD, Department of General and Visceral Surgery, University Hospital Muenster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, Bldg. W1, D-48149 Muenster, Germany. rudolf.mennigen@uni-muenster.de
Telephone: + 49-251-8356301 Fax: +49-251-8356404
Received: October 28, 2013
Revised: February 23, 2014
Accepted: March 12, 2014
Published online: June 28, 2014
Revised: February 23, 2014
Accepted: March 12, 2014
Published online: June 28, 2014
Core Tip
Core tip: The novel technique of endoscopic vacuum therapy has recently been developed for the closure of upper gastrointestinal (GI) perforations. A sponge is connected to a gastric tube, and then endoscopically placed into the perforation or cavity. The first case series demonstrate excellent healing rates with very low procedure-related morbidity; it appears likely that this technique will become the new standard for upper GI perforations. A second novel endoscopic option is the over-the-scope clip (OTSC) which allows full thickness closure of smaller defects and fistulas. Both endoscopic vacuum therapy and OTSC are valuable contributions to endoscopic therapy of upper GI perforations.