The Use of Over-the-scope-clip for Prevention of Rebleeding in High Risk Peptic Ulcers

Acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding is a common and potentially life-threatening condition. Non-variceal bleeding accounts for more than 80-90% of the cause with gastroduodenal peptic ulcer being the major cause. Endoscopic haemostasis has significantly improved the outcome of these patients. Recurrent bleeding remains one of the most important predictors of mortality. Previous studies have identified ulcers that are high risk for rebleeding.

Conventionally, endoscopic haemostasis is achieved by injection therapy, thermocoagulation or mechanical therapy such as haemostatic clips. However, there are limitations to thermo-coagulation and conventional haemostatic clips. Over the past few years, a novel endoscopic clipping device, the Over-The-Scope Clip (OTSC; Oversco Endoscopy AG, Tübingen, Germany) has become available. The device provides a robust and strong tissue apposition. The system was developed to close perforations and treat bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract. In chronic ulcers, an anchor device can be used to pull the ulcer base toward the aspiration cap to facilitate accurate clip application. With a larger jaw width and greater strength, the OTSC is expected to have superior haemostatic properties when compared to hemo-clips. Case series have been published on the clinical experience of OTSC on gastrointestinal bleeding with promising results.

Therefore, in this randomised controlled trial, we aim to compare the efficacy of the OTSC to standard endoscopic therapy in primary treatment of patients with peptic ulcer bleeding that are of high-risk for rebleeding. The hypothesis is that the use OTSC can significantly decrease the rebleeding rate in this group of patients.

Inclusion criteria

• Actively bleeding peptic ulcers (Forrest Ia, Ib), ulcers with non-bleeding visible vessel or Forrest IIa ulcer (defined as protuberant discoloration, or ulcers with an initial clot and upon irrigation shows a vessel) AND
• Ulcer size ≥ 1.5 cm as determined by an opened biopsy forceps;

Exclusion criteria

• Patients aged below 18
• Peptic ulcer with concomitant perforation
• Tumor bleeding
• Variceal bleeding
• Patients who are pregnant or lactating
• Moribund patients or patients with terminal malignancy or end-stage non-malignant conditions, in whom life expectancy is less than 30 days