The Use of the Overstitch Beyond Bariatric Endoscopy: A Pictorial Description

The overstitch endoscopic suturing system has opened a novel arena in endoscopy. To properly apply endoscopic suturing techniques, it is important to understand suture patterns and the different traction methods available. Applications beyond tissue compression in bariatric endoscopy include: closure, traction and fixation. Closure could be applied to perforations, suture dehiscences, fistulas and stoma reduction. Traction could be applied either as a pulley method to improver resection or as an improved method to decrease a defect size and help pull it into an over the scope clip. Fixation has been mainly used to secure stents.