Through-the-scope clips (TTSCs) are among the most common devices used to close colorectal post–endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) defects. Although TTSCs are easy to deliver, even to the proximal colon, simple clipping of large defects results in mucosa–mucosa closure, which could be unreliable. We developed a novel endoscopic closure technique using a modified double-layered suturing called the origami method (OGM). This method closes not only the mucosal layer but also the muscle layer with only TTSCs, which can obtain robust closure even for large defects. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of this new closure method for colorectal post-ESD defects.

This retrospective observational study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital. We reviewed the cases of the OGM attempted after colorectal ESD at our institute between October 2021 and October 2022 and measured the clinical characteristics and outcomes of enrolled cases.

The OGM was attempted in 47 cases after colorectal ESD. Thirty-one cases (66%) were in the proximal colon, 5 (11%) in the distal colon, 6 (13%) in the upper rectum, and 5 (10%) in the lower rectum. The median defect size was 38 mm, with the largest being 85 mm. Complete closure was achieved in 44 cases (94%), including all lower rectum cases. No perforations were caused by clips during closure, and delayed perforation and bleeding were not observed.

This new closure method is feasible and recommended. The OGM could achieve reliable closure of large defects in any location, including the proximal colon and thick-walled lower rectum, using only TTSCs.