We describe the case of a 64-year-old woman with subtotal gastrectomy due to gastric cancer. One month after the operation the patient presented abdominal pain, fever, and a palpable mass above the surgical incision. An abdominal abscess was detected and drained under computed tomographic guidance. The secretion was first purulent and finally bilious. Gastroscopy with fluoroscopy was performed and revealed leakage in the gastroenteric anastomosis. An over-the-scope clip (OTSC) was selected to stop the leakage by closing the defect [1]. At the beginning of the intervention, the clip was released because of an improper manipulation while it was being loaded onto the endoscope. We decided to attempt to reload the clip using the following process (Fig. 1): The clip was grasped by the edges of the lower side with 2 needle holders, while a third needle holder grasped the upper side in the middle. First, the lower side was fitted into the cap through the thread and held stable with the 2 needle holders. Then, we started to pull the upper side slowly, until the clip was reopened and embraced the cap. The OTSC was successfully reloaded and finally released, closing the defect with fluoroscopic confirmation (Fig. 2). This technique is unique in the literature and could possibly be used to deal not only with a “human error”, but also the restricted availability of OTSC due to its high cost.
Figure 1 Reloading technique. (A) Fitting the clip in the cap and holding it stable with the 2 needle holders. (B) Pulling down the upper side. (C) Reopening of the clip. (D) Final placement
Figure 2 Endoscopic images. (A) Entry of the gastroscope into the area of the anastomosis. (B) Approaching the leakage. (C) Catching the tissue with the twin grasper. (D) Successful closure of the leakage with the over-the-scope clip