Aim: To evaluate the long-term attachment of two types of endoclips in the human gastrointestinal tract.
Methods: In this prospective observational study, endoclips were placed and followed-up during endoscopies or using fluoroscopic images as part of a prospective feasibility study evaluating external beam radiotherapy (EBRT, wk 1-3) followed by high dose rate brachytherapy (HDRBT with an endoluminal applicator once a week for 3 wk, wk 9-11) in medically inoperable rectal cancer patients. Initially, the type and number of endoclips were chosen randomly and later refined to 1 Resolution(®) clip (Microvasive) proximal and 2 Quickclips(®) (Olympus) distal to the tumor. Nine consecutive patients, included between September 2007 and August 2008 were analyzed. Retention rates were evaluated over three different observational periods [period 1: pre-HDRBT (wk -2-8), period 2: during HDRBT (wk 9-11) and period 3: post-HDRBT (wk 12-16)].
Results: In this study, a total of 44 clips were placed during endoscopy, either at the beginning or at the end of period 1. The Resolution clip had a higher overall retention rate than the Quickclip (P = 0.01). After a median period of 81 d after placement (in period 1), long-term retention rates for the Resolution clip and Quickclip clip were 67% and 35% respectively.
Conclusion: The Resolution clip has a high retention rate and is useful in situations where long-term attachment to the human gastrointestinal mucosa is warranted.
Keywords: Cancer; Delineation; Endoclip; Radiotherapy; Retention rate.