Closure with an over-the-scope clip allows therapeutic ERCP to be safely performed after acute duodenal perforation during diagnostic endoscopic ultrasound

The use of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) before endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC), if performed, can prevent two-thirds of unnecessary ERC procedures [1]. Duodenal perforation during diagnostic EUS occurs with an incidence of less than 1% [2]. When perforation does occur, surgical or conservative management is possible. Surgery permits simultaneous treatment of the perforation and any biliary pathology if present [3]. Conservative management has been described using closure by endoscopic clipping [4]. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is then postponed, so avoiding duodenal maneuver and insufflation that could damage endoscopically placed sutures or aggravate the clinical picture. The over-the-scope clip (OTSC; Ovesco Endoscopy GmbH, Tübingen, Germany) is a new full-thickness clipping device that has been used successfully to treat gastrointestinal perforation [5]. We report, to our knowledge, the first two patients to undergo successful therapeutic ERC following treatment with an OTSC for acute duodenal perforation that occurred during diagnostic EUS. The two women, aged 88 and 67, both presented with cholangitis. In the first patient the perforation occurred at the level of the superior duodenal flexure, after a diagnosis of bile duct lithiasis had been made by EUS. In the second patient the greater omentumwas visualized immediately after the pylorus because of a perforation of the superior wall of the bulb that occurred during EUS. Both perforations were immediately recognized, but we continued to use roomair insufflation – the use of carbon dioxide in this situation is highly recommended. An 11t/6-mm OTSC was released (●" Fig.1), drawing together the margins of the perforation and sealing the wound with aspirated greater omentum. In both patients a small pneumoperitoneum was detected during the procedure (●" Fig.2a); however, contrast medium was injected under pressure and no leakagewas detected (●" Fig.2b). In each case after the perforation had been successfully closed, endoscopic sphincterotomy was performed to re-establish biliary drainage (●" Fig.2c). Prophylactic antibiotics were started and both patients were kept fasting for 48 hours. Neither patient needed to be managed in the intensive care unit and no further imaging investigations were required. Both patients made good progress, with regression of their inflammatory syndromes, and were discharged from hospital free of symptoms 72 hours after intervention. In conclusion, an OTSC is a reliable device in the treatment of acute accidental gastrointestinal perforation during EUS, which allows therapeutic ERC to be performed immediately afterwards.