Successful closure of an endoscopic ultrasound-induced duodenal perforation using an over-the-scope-clip

Perforation of the duodenum is one of the most feared adverse events during upper gastrointestinal tract operative endoscopy and, in particular, during endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS). A recent study by Carrara et al. reported a duodenal perforation rate of 0.09 % in a series of 3296 patients who underwent EUS-guided fine-needle aspiration [1].

An 86-year-old woman judged unfit for surgery was sent to our center for computed tomographic scanning of a suspected malignant neoplasm of the distal third of the common bile duct, which showed a 3-cm stenosis that was causing jaundice. The patient underwent EUS for staging of the lesion, but during the passage of the scope in the duodenum we observed a perforation 10 mm in diameter, full thickness, on the posterior wall of the duodenal bulb, just above the flexure ([Fig. 1]).

Fig. 1 Duodenal perforation before placement of the over-the-scope clip in an 86-year-old woman being investigated for a suspected malignant neoplasm of the common bile duct.

With a therapeutic gastroscope (EG 3490K; Pentax, Hamburg, Germany) with a diameter of 11.6 mm and an operative channel of 3.8 mm, an 11 mm therapeutic type over-the-scope clip (11/6 t OTSC; Ovesco Endoscopy, Tübingen, Germany) was immediately placed on the perforation, using a Twin Grasper (Ovesco Endoscopy) to catch the two edges of the perforation, with immediate closure of the breach itself ([Video 1]). Correct positioning of the OTSC and complete closure of the perforation were confirmed by an X-ray transit study of the upper gastrointestinal tract performed immediately after placement of the OTSC ([Fig. 2]).

Duodenal perforation closed by OTSC.

Fig. 2 Contrast X-ray study documenting correct placement of the clip.

On the same day, percutaneous biliary transhepatic drainage was also performed ([Fig. 3]). With her bilirubin concentrations trending downward, the patient was discharged on the 4th day.

Fig. 3 Percutaneous biliary transhepatic drainage also documenting absence of leakage of contrast medium from the site of the perforation.

Given the high morbidity and mortality rates of surgical treatment of iatrogenic duodenal perforations, the OTSC should be considered as the first option for immediate resolution of this adverse event, even when there is a possible risk that the attempt may fail.

Endoscopy_UCTN_Code_CPL_1AL_2AB

Competing interests: None

• References

• 1 Carrara S, Arcidiacono PG, Mezzi G et al. Pancreatic endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration: complication rate and clinical course in a single centre. Dig Liv Dis 2010; 42: 520-523