Published online Nov 6, 2022. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v10.i31.11574
Peer-review started: June 21, 2022
First decision: August 1, 2022
Revised: August 28, 2022
Accepted: September 23, 2022
Article in press: September 23, 2022
Published online: November 6, 2022
Processing time: 127 Days and 12.4 Hours
There is a high annual incidence of acute, nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding in Chinese adults. Early endoscopic intervention can reduce rates of rebleeding, surgery, and mortality. The metal clip is the most common method for establishing homeostasis; however, it possesses several limitations. In patients with bleeding secondary to large gastric ulcers, the clip will often fail to stop the bleeding. This article highlights the use of an elastic traction ring as a novel hemostatic method for patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding.
An elderly male presented to the emergency room with complaints of hematemesis and melena. Endoscopic examination revealed an ulcer (Forrest IIa) in the lesser curvature of the gastric antrum. Six tissue clips and one elastic traction ring were inserted into the stomach cavity to suture the ulcer. The patient recovered quickly without postoperative gastrointestinal bleeding. Two months later, the patient's ulcer was significantly healed.
To our best knowledge, this is the first report to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of elastic traction rings for upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Elastic traction rings should be considered a routine therapeutic modality for patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeds.
Core Tip: Acute, nonvariceal, upper gastrointestinal bleeds are common medical emergencies. Gastric ulcers often cause this condition. Early endoscopic intervention can reduce rates of rebleeding, surgery, and mortality. Presently, various methods are available for establishing endoscopic hemostasis. Metal clips are a popular method; however, they possess specific limitations. Elastic traction rings are widely used during endoscopic submucosal dissection procedures. We were the first to apply elastic traction rings for ulcer suturing for hemostasis with excellent results. We are presently evaluating the effectiveness and limitations of this hemostatic method.