Comparison of mechanical and thermal therapy in upper gastrointestinal bleeding: an analysis of efficacy outcomes.

Background: Nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (NVUGIB) is a complication of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) and direct oral anticoagulant therapy (DOAC). There is a lack of data comparing mechanical therapy (clips) with thermal therapy in this population.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients undergoing urgent/emergent endoscopy for NVUGIB while being on DAPT or DOAC. Patients who had DAPT/DOAC held as per American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy guidelines were excluded from the study.

Results: A total of 122 patients were included in the study. There was no difference in primary hemostasis, rebleeding rate, rescue hemostatic procedure, and 30-day mortality between the mechanical and thermal therapy groups. The mechanical therapy group had a significantly higher rate of prolonged length of stay (61.2% vs 38.9%,  = 0.02), serious clinical outcomes (56% vs 37.5%,  = 0.04), and intensive care unit admissions (50% vs 20.8%,  = 0.001) than the thermal therapy group.

Conclusion: Patients on DAPT/DOAC presenting with NVUGIB can undergo mechanical or thermal endoscopic intervention without a significant difference in achieving primary hemostasis, rebleeding, requiring a secondary procedure, or mortality outcomes.