Endoclips versus heater probe in preventing early recurrent bleeding from peptic ulcer: a prospective and randomized trial.
BACKGROUND
Endoscopic application of hemoclips (HC) was prospectively compared with heat probe (HP) treatment in patients with bleeding ulcers.


METHODS
One hundred thirteen patients with major stigmata of ulcer hemorrhage were randomly assigned to receive HP (n = 57) or HC (n = 56). Clinical and endoscopic features were comparable in both groups. Recurrent bleeding was retreated with the modality previously used. Patients in whom treatment or retreatment was unsuccessful underwent emergency surgery.


RESULTS
Hemostasis, adequate treatment of visible vessel, 30-day mortality, and emergency surgery rates were similar for both groups. Recurrent bleeding was 21% for HP and 1.8% for HC (p < 0.05). Length of hospital stay and transfusion requirements were significantly lower in the HC group. There was no evidence of clip-induced tissue injury or impaired ulcer healing. Clips dislodged spontaneously in most patients within 8 weeks of treatment. No further hemorrhage occurred on a median follow-up of 11 months (range 1-23).


CONCLUSIONS
The hemoclip is safe and effective in the treatment of severe ulcer bleeding and is superior to HP in preventing early recurrent bleeding.
Cipolletta
L
L
Department of Gastroenterology and Endoscopy, Maresca Hospital, Torre del Greco, Naples, Italy.
Bianco
M A
MA
Marmo
R
R
Rotondano
G
G
Piscopo
R
R
Vingiani
A M
AM
Meucci
C
C
D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006979:Hyperthermia, Induced; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010438:Peptic Ulcer Hemorrhage / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000628:therapy; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012008:Recurrence; D013525:Surgical Instruments; D013997:Time Factors