Endoscopy
DOI: 10.1055/a-2646-7556
Technical Review

Topical hemostatic agents in endoscopy: European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) Technical and Technology Review

Ian M. Gralnek
1   Ellen and Pinchas Mamber Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Emek Medical Center, Afula, Israel (Ringgold ID: RIN61172)
2   Rappaport Faculty of Medicine Technion Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel (Ringgold ID: RIN58880)
,
Pradeep Bhandari
3   Department of Gastroenterology, Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust, Portsmouth, United Kingdom (Ringgold ID: RIN6698)
4   Mayo Clinic, London, United Kingdom
,
Asma Alkandari
5   Al Jahra Hospital, Kuwait, Kuwait (Ringgold ID: RIN430617)
,
6   Thunayan Alghanim Gastroenterology Center, Amiri Hospital, Sharq, Kuwait
7   Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Jabryah, Kuwait (Ringgold ID: RIN37604)
,
Rehan J. Haidry
8   Digestive Diseases and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic London, London, United Kingdom (Ringgold ID: RIN591481)
,
8   Digestive Diseases and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic London, London, United Kingdom (Ringgold ID: RIN591481)
,
9   Gastroenterology Department, Valduce Hospital, Como, Italy (Ringgold ID: RIN9349)
,
3   Department of Gastroenterology, Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust, Portsmouth, United Kingdom (Ringgold ID: RIN6698)
,
10   Department of Medical Sciences and Surgery, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy (Ringgold ID: RIN9296)
11   Gastroenterology Unit, IRCCS-Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy (Ringgold ID: RIN18508)
› Author Affiliations
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Abstract

Background

Gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy has evolved from a diagnostic tool into a therapeutic modality, leading to a higher incidence of bleeding complications during and after procedures. To address this issue, various hemostatic agents have been developed, including injectable, mechanical, thermal, and topical products. Topical hemostatic agents, available in powder or gel forms, can be used as standalone treatments or as adjuncts to traditional hemostatic therapies to control or prevent bleeding.

Methods

This Technical and Technology Review examines the commercially available topical hemostatic agents used in endoscopy, specifically Purastat, TC-325 Hemospray, EndoClot PHS, Nexpowder, Ankaferd Blood Stopper, and CG GEL. A systematic literature review was conducted up to January 2025, focusing on randomized controlled trials (RCTs), meta-analyses, and observational studies. Each product was assessed for its composition, mechanism of action, regulatory status, mode of use, efficacy, safety, and financial considerations.

Results

Purastat showed 94% efficacy in acute GI bleeding, reducing delayed bleeding to 4.3% in endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) and endoscopic mucosal resection cases, with significantly lower thermal device usage. TC-325 Hemospray achieved 85%–98.5% primary hemostasis in upper and lower GI bleeding, with pooled hemostasis rates of 93.1% and rebleeding rates of 8.9%. It was also effective in malignancy-related bleeding, with hemostasis success up to 100%. EndoClot PHS demonstrated 76%–100% hemostasis efficacy, comparable with TC-325, with rebleeding rates of 24%–25%. It showed prophylactic potential post-ESD, with rebleeding rates of 7.3%–9.1%. Nexpowder achieved 94% hemostasis in refractory upper GI bleeds and reduced rebleeding in lower GI bleeds to 5.5% at 28 days. Ankaferd Blood Stopper demonstrated 73%–100% hemostasis across various GI bleeding sources, including peptic ulcers and malignancies, though further data on rebleeding are needed.

Conclusion

Topical hemostatic agents offer effective options for managing GI bleeding. Products like Purastat, TC-325 Hemospray, EndoClot PHS, Nexpowder, Ankaferd Blood Stopper, and CG GEL have shown promising results in achieving hemostasis; however, further RCTs and cost-effectiveness analyses are needed to better establish their roles in endoscopic practice.



Publication History

Article published online:
30 July 2025

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