Randomization and blinding
Using SAS ver 9.4 (SAS Institute Inc., NC, Cary, USA) for Microsoft Windows, random assignment numbers were generated, and a random assignment envelope was created. Before a polymeric clip or an endoloop was applied, the envelope was opened, and the patients were assigned to either the intervention (polymeric clip) or the control (endoloop) group. This was a single-blinded study where the use of polymeric clips or endoloops was not blinded to the investigators, including outcome accessors, but to the patients.