Delayed perforation caused by an endoscopic clip following uncomplicated endoscopic resection of a large sporadic nonampullary duodenal adenoma

A 42-year-old woman was referred for resection of a sporadic, 60-mm, high grade tubulovillous adenoma in the descending duodenum ([Fig. 1]). Submucosal injection of gelofusine, methylene blue, and diluted adrenaline ([Fig. 2]) was followed by piecemeal endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) using an EVIS EXERA II 180 duodenoscope (Olympus, Tokyo, Japan) and snare (SnareMaster SD-230U-20; Olympus). Minor bleeding from vessels along the lateral resection margin settled spontaneously, and two clips (Instinct Hemoclip; Cook Medical, Limerick, Ireland) were placed, taking care to grasp adjacent mucosa ([Fig. 3]). The EMR site was carefully re-inspected and no further bleeding was observed.

Fig. 1 Duodenal adenoma prior to endoscopic mucosal resection. The adenoma was just distal to the ampulla and involved half the duodenal circumference.

Fig. 2 Endoscopic mucosal resection site (lateral descending duodenal wall), with arrows marking the subsequently clipped submucosal vessel.

Fig. 3 A hemostatic clip (Instinct Endoscopic Hemoclip; Cook Medical, Limerick, Ireland) was placed over the vessel. A second clip was placed further distally and is not shown.

Overnight the patient developed abdominal pain and fever. Computed tomography scan showed a moderate amount of free retroperitoneal air and fluid consistent with duodenal perforation ([Fig. 4]). Intraoperative findings revealed that one clip had perforated the duodenum, and was protruding into the retroperitoneum. The area was debrided and duodenal exclusion was performed. The perforation was managed with T-tube placement into the duodenal lumen.

Fig. 4 Axial contrast-enhanced computed tomography scan of the upper abdomen. Multiple retroperitoneal gas locules (arrowheads) surround the two duodenal hemostatic clips (arrows). Extensive edema and fat stranding extends to the right perinephric space and Gerotas fascia (star).

Histology confirmed high grade tubulovillous adenoma with no involvement of the muscularis propria. Surveillance endoscopy at 6 months revealed a scar with an adjacent area of residual adenoma that was amenable to further resection ([Fig. 5]).

Fig. 5 Scar (arrow heads), residual adenoma (long arrow), and clip (star) on follow-up endoscopy 1 year later.

EMR is a highly effective and widely practiced method for removing large adenomatous polyps in the gastrointestinal tract [1] [2]. In the richly vascularized, thin-walled, and relatively fixed duodenum, bleeding and perforations are known complications of EMR and the risks increase with polyp size [2] [3]. Delayed bleeding occurs in 30 % of cases [4] [5]. Coagulation techniques have been suggested for the treatment of immediate or delayed bleeding, though this may increase the risk of perforation. Endoscopic clips are a well established treatment for bleeding and perforation in the entire gastrointestinal tract. However, we believe clips should be used with great caution following wide field EMR in the duodenum because of the risk of clip-related delayed perforation.

Endoscopy_UCTN_Code_CPL_1AH_2AZ

Competing interests: None

• References

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