Response to:  Hokama A et al. (2008) Hemoclip application for colonic diverticular hemorrhage. Nat Clin Pract Gastroenterol Hepatol 5: E2 doi:10.1038/ncpgasthep1146

Original article:  Yachimski PS and Friedman LS (2008) Gastrointestinal bleeding in the elderly. Nat Clin Pract Gastroenterol Hepatol 5: 80–93 doi:10.1038/ncpgasthep1034

We agree with Dr Hokama and his colleagues that hemostatic clip placement is an acceptable technique for hemostasis of active diverticular hemorrhage,1 although the published literature supporting this approach consists largely of case reports.1,2,3 Nevertheless, for endoscopists familiar with hemostatic clip use for the treatment of upper gastrointestinal bleeding, the technique of clip delivery is easily transferable to colonoscopic applications, including diverticular hemorrhage. We would emphasize that in the therapeutic approach to diverticular hemorrhage, the practicing endoscopist may be best served by personal familiarity and facility with at least one or two of the available therapeutic options.