Background: Gastrotomy closure remains the major limiting factor for human translation of transgastric surgery; the over-the-scope clip (OTSC) system was proposed as a possibility for this purpose. Transgastric access is good for a pelvic approach, making varicocelectomy a possible indication for natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES).
Objective: To evaluate the reliability of the OTSC system in vivo after transgastric testicular vessel ligation (varicocelectomy model).
Design: There were 3 experimental groups (5 animals in each): groups 1 and 3, gastrotomy dilation up to 18 mm, surgery was performed with a double-channel endoscope; group 2, gastrotomy dilation up to 13 mm, surgery was performed with a single-channel endoscope.
Setting: Surgical Sciences Research Domain, Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Health Sciences, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.
Interventions: Bilateral testicular vessel ligation by transgastric access. Gastrotomy closed with the largest version of OTSC system (12 mm): a single clip in groups 1 and 2, and 2 clips in group 3. Animals were monitored for 2 weeks, killed, and submitted for necropsy.
Main outcome measurements: Adequacy of closure and healing after the use of the OTSC system. Statistical analysis.
Results: Vessel ligation was easily achieved in all groups. Although differences in the complication rate did not reach statistical significance (P = .099), there was a clear tendency for a better prognosis in groups 2 and 3 than group 1. In fact, only 2 animals from group 1 had complications related to incomplete gastrotomy closure.
Limitations: Small number of animals per group; nonrandomized study.
Conclusions: The OTSC system was shown to be easy and efficient for gastrotomy closure in a survival experimental model of varicocelectomy, when correctly matching the gastrotomy size with the clip size and/or number.