OBJECTIVETo explore the efficacy of over-the-scope clip (OTSC) in the treatment of gastrointestinal fistula.

METHODSClinical data of 12 gastrointestinal fistula patients, including 3 internal fistula and 9 external fistula treated with OTSC in our institute from March 2015 to May 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. OTSC was performed when pus was drained thoroughly and intra-abdominal infection around gastrointestinal fistula was controlled, and each patient received one clip to close fistula.

RESULTSThere were 6 female and 6 male patients with mean age of (50.1±12.6) years. The successful rate of endoscopic closure was 100% without complications including bleeding and intestinal obstruction during and after OTSC treatment. According to comprehensive evaluation, including drainage without digestive juices, no recurrence of intra-abdominal infection, no overflow of contrast medium during digestive tract radiography, and CT examination without intra-abdominal abscess, clinical gastrointestinal fistula closure was 91.7%(11/12). There was no recurrence of gastrointestinal fistula during 3 months of follow-up in 11 patients. In the remaining 1 case, the gastric fistula after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy recurred one week after OTSC treatment because of intra-abdominal infection surrounding fistula, and was cured by surgery finally.

CONCLUSIONThe endoscopic closure treatment of OTSC for gastrointestinal fistula is successful and effective, and control of intra-abdominal infection around fistula with adequate drainage is the key point.