Endoscopic topical application of Ankaferd Blood Stopper for neoplastic gastrointestinal bleeding: A retrospective analysis

AimThe aim of this study was to retrospectively assess the haemostatic efficacy of the endoscopic topical use of Ankaferd Blood Stopper (ABS) in the setting of neoplastic GI bleeding.MethodsThe records of 10 patients with neoplastic GI bleeding (7 gastric, 3 rectal) were evaluated retrospectively. Written informed consent regarding the off-label use of ABS as a means of attaining haemostasis had been obtained from all of the patients prior to the procedure. In all patients, ABS was applied topically. Rates of bleeding control and post-procedural complications were documented.ResultsHaemostasis was achieved in all patients within seconds of endoscopic application of ABS, with no immediate complications. Seven patients underwent subsequent cancer surgery after a bleeding-free post-procedural period.ConclusionsABS as a novel haemostatic agent could have a potential benefit in controlling bleeding from GI tumours. Prospective controlled studies are needed to help establish its efficacy, and perhaps offer a comparison to conventional haemostatic interventions.