OBJECTIVETo study the value of the metal clips and endoloop snare for gastric wall defect after endoscopic full-thick resection(EFR).

METHODSAll the patients who underwent complete closure of gastric wall defect after endoscopic full-thick resection with metal clips and endoloop snare in the Endoscopy Center of Zhongshan hospital from March 2011 to October 2011 were retrospectively studied. The feasibility, safety, and efficacy were evaluated.

RESULTSFourteen patients were included in this study. The median age was 49(32-63) years. Lesions located in the gastric body in 5 cases, the gastric fundus in 8 cases, and the gastric antrum and body junction in 1 case. The were diameter was 0.6-3.0 cm. Complete closure rate was 100% using this technique. The median repair time was 12(8-20) min. No patients were converted to surgery or laparoscopic surgery. Four patients complained of abdomen pain with elevated body temperature, and ultrasonography showed minor peritoneal fluid in 2 cases, which were drained. These four cases were asked to maintain semi-reclining position and were put on fasting, continuous gastrointestinal decompression, and received antibiotics. They were discharged after 1-3 days. All the patients were followed up with a median time of 3(1-8) months. Nylon and clips residual were removed endoscopically and the wound healing was satisfactory.

CONCLUSIONMetal clips and endoloop snare is safe and effective for the closure of gastric wall defect after EFR.