Endoscopic Band Ligation Is Able to Close Perforations Caused by Colonoscopy: A Porcine Model Study

OBJECTIVE: Diagnostic colonoscopy is important for diagnosing colorectal diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal tumours. Perforation during diagnostic colonoscopy, a rare but serious complication, is a considerable factor before performing the procedure. Immediate endoluminal closure of a perforation could prevent the adverse consequences associated with general anaesthesia and surgery. This study is aimed at assessing the potential effectiveness and safety of endoscopic band ligation (EBL) in closing a colon perforation during endoscopy in a porcine model. METHODS: Colon perforations were created and then subsequently closed with EBL in six porcine models. After 28 days of careful follow-up, pigs were euthanized for clinical and pathologic evaluations. RESULTS: All colon perforations were successfully closed using EBL in pigs. The mean time of perforation closure with EBL was 244.3 seconds with one to two bands, and there were no immediate complications or clinical manifestations of peritonitis or sepsis in any animals. No pericolonic abscess or peritonitis was found during necropsy. Histopathology demonstrated reepithelialization of the mucosa at the perforation site. CONCLUSIONS: Immediate closure of perforations caused during colonoscopy with EBL is feasible and safe in a porcine model.