Endoscopic ultrasonography-guided biliary and pancreatic duct interventions

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided choledochoduodenostomy using a thin stent delivery system in patients with unresectable malignant distal biliary obstruction: A prospective multicenter study

BACKGROUND AND AIM

When endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) fails in patients with malignant distal biliary obstruction, endoscopic ultrasound-guided choledochoduodenostomy (EUS-CDS) is an alternative. It has high technical and clinical success rates, but also has high adverse event rates. This prospective cohort study was aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of EUS-CDS with our newly developed partially covered self-expandable metal stent with a thin delivery system.

METHODS

Patients consisted of all consecutive patients in three tertiary referral centers with unresectable malignant distal obstruction in whom ERCP failed and in whom EUS-CDS with the thin delivery system was selected as the second-line approach. Rates of clinical success, technical success, technical success in cases not requiring fistulous tract dilation, adverse events, and stent dysfunction were determined.

RESULTS

In the 20 patients, technical and clinical success rates were 95.0% (19/20) and 100% (19/19), respectively. In 31.6% (6/19), the delivery system was successfully inserted into the bile duct without requiring a fistulous-tract dilatation device. These patients had significantly shorter procedure times than patients requiring fistulous-tract dilatation (12.7 ± 3.1 vs 23.2 ± 2.1 min; P < 0.01). One patient (5.0%) who required fistulous dilation had an adverse event, which was managed conservatively. There were no procedure-related deaths. During follow up, four patients (21.1%) developed stent dysfunction. Reintervention was successful in all cases.

CONCLUSIONS

The EUS-CDS approach had 95% technical and 100% clinical success rates, with adverse events reported in 5% of cases. EUS-CDS may become safer if efforts are made to avoid the dilation step (UMIN 000023938).

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided gallbladder drainage: Current status and future prospects

Early surgical treatment using the laparoscopic approach is generally accepted as the treatment of choice for acute cholecystitis (AC) according to Tokyo Guidelines 2018 (TG2018). If the patient is a poor candidate for surgery because of the presence of advanced malignancy or severe organ failure, this treatment may be too invasive. In such cases, gallbladder drainage is considered an alternative treatment method to surgery. Several drainage methods have been established, such as percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage (PTGBD) or endoscopic transpapillary gallbladder drainage (ETGBD) under endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), including endoscopic naso-gallbladder drainage (ENGBD) and endoscopic gallbladder stenting (EGBS). PTGBD is a well-established procedure that is relatively easily carried out by general clinicians. And ETGBD has been developed as an alternative drainage method. The procedure also calls for guidewire passage across the cystic duct. Therefore, in AC cases who are contraindicated for surgery, PTGBD should be considered before ETGBD, and ETGBD may be considered only in high-volume institutes where expert hands are available, as described in the TG2018. However, there are several limitations to these procedures. Recently, endoscopic ultrasound-guided gallbladder drainage (EUS-GBD) is increasingly being done as an alternative method to PTGBD and ETGBD. In this review, the current status and problems of EUS-GBD are reviewed, including technical review and clinical data of previous papers, current indication, long-term outcome, and comparison data with PTGBD or ETGBD, and their future prospects are discussed.

Recent advances in the diagnosis and management of chronic pancreatitis

Chronic pancreatitis is a chronic condition characterized by pancreatic inflammation that causes fibrosis and the destruction of exocrine and endocrine tissues. Chronic pancreatitis is a progressive disease, and no physiological treatment is available to reverse its course. However, with advances in medical technology, the existing diagnostic and treatment methods for chronic pancreatitis are evolving. Managing patients with chronic pancreatitis is challenging and necessitates a multidisciplinary approach. In this review, we discuss the recent advances in the diagnosis and management of chronic pancreatitis and introduce future alternative modalities.

Clinical efficacy and safety of endoscopic ultrasound-guided gallbladder drainage replacement of percutaneous drainage: A multicenter retrospective study

OBJECTIVES

Percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage (PTGBD) is widely used for patients with acute cholecystitis. There are little data on the efficacy and safety of endoscopic ultrasound-guided gallbladder drainage (EUS-GBD) replacement of PTGBD in patients who cannot undergo cholecystectomy.

METHODS

This multicenter retrospective study in Japan reviewed records of patients who underwent EUS-GBD to replace PTGBD between January 2010 and December 2017. Outcomes evaluated included technical success, defined as successful stent placement between the gastrointestinal lumen and the gallbladder; clinical success, defined as subsequent removal of the percutaneous catheter; adverse events; and stent patency.

RESULTS

EUS-GBD was performed in 21 patients (14 women, mean age 77.5 ± 8.0 years) to replace PTGBD that had been instituted for acute cholecystitis (n = 19) or obstructive jaundice (n = 2). Technical success was achieved in 19 (90.5%). The median period from PTGBD placement to EUS-GBD was 11 days (range, 6-68 days). The mean procedure time was 19.5 ± 5.1 min. No early adverse events were observed. There were three late adverse events, distal stent migration in two cases and stent occlusion causing recurrent cholecystitis in one patient. Reintervention was required in two patients. The percutaneous catheter was removed after EUS-GBD in 17 patients at a median of 7 days (range, 2-20 days). The duration of stent patency was 139 days (range, 8-664 days).

CONCLUSIONS

Where ongoing gallbladder drainage is required, conversion from PTGBD to EUS-GBD is a feasible, effective, and safe technique for patients who cannot undergo cholecystectomy.

EUS-guided versus percutaneous biliary access in patients with obstructive jaundice due to gastric cancer

BACKGROUND

Gastric cancer is sometimes complicated by obstructive jaundice. However, ERCP may be challenging in patients who have advanced gastric cancer, or recurrent gastric cancer after surgical resection that is complicated by obstructive jaundice. In such cases, percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) is considered. Recently, EUS-guided biliary drainage (EUS-BD) has been developed. We conducted a retrospective study to compare the efficacy of EUS-BD and PTBD in patients with obstructive jaundice due to gastric cancer.

METHODS

Patients with gastric cancer complicated with obstructive jaundice who were contraindicated for standard ERCP were enrolled.

RESULTS

A total of 47 consecutive patients were enrolled during the study period. The technical success rates of PTBD and EUS-BD were 88.9% (16/18) and 96.7% (29/30), respectively (P = 0.64). The stent patency period, including patient death was equivalent between the two groups (EUS-BD vs. PTBD: 188.4 days vs. 200.9 days, P = 0.974). Time to stent dysfunction in the EUS-BD group (391.1 days) was not significantly different as compared to that in the PTBD group (398.1 days) (P = 0.78). Adverse events were relatively severe in the PTBD group.

CONCLUSIONS

Given the relative severity of adverse events in the PTBD group, EUS-BD might be the procedure of choice for gastric cancer patients with contraindications by inability to perform ERCP.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided pancreatic duct drainage

Endoscopic transpapillary or transanastomotic pancreatic duct drainage (PD) is the mainstay of drainage in symptomatic pancreatic duct obstruction or leakage. However, transpapillary or transanastomotic PD can be technically difficult due to the tight stricture or surgically altered anatomy (SAA), and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided PD (EUS-PD) is now increasingly used as an alternative technique. There are two approaches in EUS-PD: EUS-guided rendezvous (EUS-RV) and EUS-guided transmural drainage (EUS-TMD). In cases with normal anatomy, EUS-RV should be the first approach, whereas EUS-TMD can be selected in cases with SAA or duodenal obstruction. In our literature review, technical success and adverse event rates were 78.7% and 21.8%, respectively. The technical success rate of EUS-RV appeared lower than EUS-TMD due to the difficulty in guidewire passage. In future, development of dedicated devices and standardization of EUS-PD procedure are necessary.

EUS-Guided Antegrade Biliary Stenting Using a Novel Fully Covered Metal Stent (with Video)

BACKGROUND

Recently, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided hepaticogastrostomy (HGS) combined with antegrade stenting (AS) has been reported to be associated with longer stent patency and reduced procedure-related adverse events. In EUS-AS, an uncovered metal stent is usually selected to prevent stent misplacement or dislocation. However, because patient survival has improved with advances in chemotherapy, longer stent patency may be required.

AIM

The technical feasibility and safety of EUS-guided transhepatic biliary drainage combined with EUS-AS using a novel covered metal stent were evaluated.

METHODS

Patients with malignant biliary obstruction leading to obstructive jaundice, in whom standard ERCP had failed or was contraindicated, were enrolled in this study between July 2015 and October 2017. As the control group, patients undergoing EUS-AS using an uncovered metal stent were enrolled between October 2014 and June 2015.

RESULTS

A total of 39 patients were enrolled in this study. Among them, EUS-AS using a covered metal stent was performed in 17 patients and using an uncovered metal stent in the remaining 22 patients. Median stent patency including stent dysfunction and patient death was longer in the covered metal stent group (153 days) compared with that of the uncovered metal stent group (108 days) although there were no significant differences (P = 0.06). In only cases with stent dysfunction was median stent patency of the covered metal stent group significantly longer than that of the uncovered metal stent group (not available vs 150 days, P = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, EUS-guided transluminal biliary drainage combined with EUS-AS using a covered metal stent may be feasible and safe, although the indications for this procedure should be carefully considered.

Fully covered self-expandable metal stents to dilate persistent pancreatic strictures in chronic pancreatitis: long-term follow-up from a prospective study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Symptomatic main pancreatic duct (MPD) strictures secondary to chronic pancreatitis (CP) may benefit from endoscopic insertion of single or multiple plastic stents. MPD stricture resolution after single plastic stent removal is uncommon. The use of removable fully covered, self-expandable metal stents (FC-SEMSs) to dilate MPD strictures secondary to CP was evaluated.

METHODS

Patients with CP and symptomatic MPD stricture located in the head of the pancreas persisting for 3 months or more after placement of a single plastic stent were enrolled in a prospective single-arm trial. A nitinol FC-SEMS was inserted and removed after 6 months. The FC-SEMS diameter and length were chosen according to the stricture anatomy and MPD diameter above the stricture. Our primary objective was FC-SEMS removability. Secondary outcomes were MPD stricture resolution rate and adverse events.

RESULTS

Between December 2012 and October 2014, 15 patients (10 male, mean age 60 years) were enrolled. Pancreatic calcifications were present in 6 (40%) patients. Four patients (27%) had a history of alcohol abuse. In 10 patients, the FC-SEMS was inserted through the major papilla, whereas 5 patients (3 pancreas divisum, 2 dominant dorsal duct) received the stent through the minor papilla. One patient developed cholangitis after 24 hours due to occlusion of the biliary sphincterotomy from the FC-SEMS; cholangitis resolved after insertion of a plastic biliary stent. Complete distal migration of the FC-SEMS was reported in 7 patients (47%) (5 asymptomatic, 2 symptomatic with recurrence of pancreatitis). All migrations occurred with the 3-cm-long FC-SEMS. Four patients (27%) developed de novo stricture induced by the FC-SEMS at the level of the flared end and were excluded from the follow-up; 1 patient with FC-SEMS migration had failed stricture resolution. One patient was lost to follow-up. Finally, 9 patients with MPD stricture resolution had a mean follow-up of 38.9 months (range, 5.3-55.3 months), and 89% were asymptomatic.

CONCLUSIONS

FC-SEMS removability from the MPD in CP was feasible in all cases, and 90% of the patients were asymptomatic after 3 years. Migration seems more frequent with the 3-cm-long FC-SEMS. Occurrence of FC-SEMS-induced pancreatic strictures is a major issue and deserves further assessment. According to our experience, pancreatic FC-SEMSs have promising results, but a careful evaluation in the setting of clinical trials is needed.

Second-line chemotherapy in patients with advanced or recurrent biliary tract cancer: a single center, retrospective analysis of 294 cases

Purpose The survival benefit of first-line chemotherapy (CT1) for biliary tract cancer (BTC) is now established but the role of second-line chemotherapy (CT2) has not been fully elucidated yet. Methods Consecutive advanced BTC patients receiving CT1 between 2000 and 2016 were retrospectively studied. We investigated the safety and efficacy of CT2, prognostic factors for residual survival after CT1, and explored subgroups who would benefit from CT2. Results Among 294 patients receiving CT1 for advanced BTC, CT2 was given in 139 patients (47%). CT2 provided a response rate of 4%, a disease control rate of 52%, a median progression-free survival of 2.8 and overall survival of 7.7 months, respectively. CT2 was associated with longer residual survival after CT1 (hazard ratio [HR] 0.61, p < 0.01), as well as PS of 0-1 (HR 0.53, p < 0.01), best response to CT1 of PD (HR 1.46, p = 0.01), and CEA ≥5.0 ng/mL (HR 1.69, p < 0.01). The effects of CT2 were homogeneous across almost all subgroups but were more prominent in patients with age ≥ 70 years (HR 0.32, p for interaction =0.02), CA19-9 ≥ 200 IU/mL (HR 0.41, p for interaction = 0.08) and CEA ≥5.0 ng/mL (HR 0.41, p for interaction = 0.06). Conclusions The introduction rate of CT2 was 47%. Although the efficacy of CT2 was modest in terms of tumor response, it was associated with better survival. Further investigations are necessary both to develop more effective regimens and to select patients who will benefit from CT2.

Updates in Therapeutic Endoscopic Ultrasonography

The last decade has seen a dramatic rise in the possibilities of therapeutic endoscopic ultrasound (EUS). From EUS fine needle aspiration of cancerous lesion to pseudocyst drainage, it has now not only replaced some of the percutaneous techniques but has permitted to bypass all together laparoscopic approach for patient with altered anatomy or malignant gastric outlet obstruction. This review will emphasize the novel therapeutic EUS procedures added to our arsenal.

Consensus guidelines on the optimal management in interventional EUS procedures: results from the Asian EUS group RAND/UCLA expert panel

OBJECTIVES

Interventional endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) procedures are gaining popularity and the most commonly performed procedures include EUS-guided drainage of pancreatic pseudocyst, EUS-guided biliary drainage, EUS-guided pancreatic duct drainage and EUS-guided celiac plexus ablation. The aim of this paper is to formulate a set of practice guidelines addressing various aspects of the above procedures.

METHODS

Formulation of the guidelines was based on the best scientific evidence available. The RAND/UCLA appropriateness methodology (RAM) was used. Panellists recruited comprised experts in surgery, interventional EUS, interventional radiology and oncology from 11 countries. Between June 2014 and October 2016, the panellists met in meetings to discuss and vote on the clinical scenarios for each of the interventional EUS procedures in question.

RESULTS

A total of 15 statements on EUS-guided drainage of pancreatic pseudocyst, 15 statements on EUS-guided biliary drainage, 12 statements on EUS-guided pancreatic duct drainage and 14 statements on EUS-guided celiac plexus ablation were formulated. The statements addressed the indications for the procedures, technical aspects, pre- and post-procedural management, management of complications, and competency and training in the procedures. All statements except one were found to be appropriate. Randomised studies to address clinical questions in a number of aspects of the procedures are urgently required.

CONCLUSIONS

The current guidelines on interventional EUS procedures are the first published by an endoscopic society. These guidelines provide an in-depth review of the current evidence and standardise the management of the procedures.

Borderline resectable pancreatic cancer. Challenges and controversies

Pancreatic cancer is a dismal disease with an increasing incidence. Despite the majority of patients are not candidates for curative surgery, a subgroup of patients classified as borderline resectable pancreatic cancer can be selected in whom a sequential strategy of neoadjuvant therapy followed by surgery can provide better outcomes. Multidisciplinary approach and surgical pancreatic expertise are essential for successfully treating these patients. However, the lack of consensual definitions and therapies make the results of studies very difficult to interpret and hard to be implemented in some settings. In this article, we review the challenges of borderline resectable pancreatic cancer, the complexity of its management and controversies and point out where further research and international cooperation for a consensus strategy is urgently needed.

Antegrade pancreatoscopy via EUS-guided pancreaticogastrostomy allows removal of obstructive pancreatic duct stones

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is an effective treatment for pancreaticolithiasis, including use of pancreatoscopy for intraductal electrohydraulic lithotripsy (IEHL). Pancreatoscopy is often limited by a small-caliber downstream pancreatic duct as well as an unstable pancreatoscope position within the pancreatic head. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided pancreaticogastrostomy (EUS-PG) has been developed as a method to relieve ductal obstruction when retrograde access fails. The current study describes pancreatoscopy via EUS-PG, a novel method for managing obstructing pancreaticolithiasis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From September 2017 to January 2018, patients who underwent EUS-PG followed by antegrade pancreatoscopy via PG were identified. Endoscopy reports, medical charts and relevant laboratory data were reviewed and recorded.

RESULTS

Five patients underwent EUS-PG and antegrade pancreatoscopy via PG during the study period; clinical success rate was 100 %. There were no significant adverse events during the procedure or follow up period.

CONCLUSIONS

Pancreatoscopy via PG for IEHL is safe and effective for treating obstructing pancreaticolithiasis in patients who have previously failed ERCP or in clinical scenarios were ERCP is not possible.

Needle fracture during endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration using a needle with a side hole

Background and study aims  Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) is widely performed to obtain pathological evidence from several parts of the body. Major complications of EUS-FNA are bleeding, pancreatitis, and abdominal pain. Needle fracture is a rare complication of EUS-FNA and only a few relevant reports are available. Here, we report a case of needle fracture during EUS-FNA using a needle with a side hole. A 61-year-old man underwent EUS-FNA of the uncinate process of the pancreas to confirm malignancy. A 20-gauge needle with a side hole was used to puncture the mass from the first part of the duodenum. The needle fracture occurred at the side hole during the third passage, and the fragment remained in the pancreas. Fortunately, the patient did not exhibit any symptoms due to the needle fragment. This case indicates that repeated puncture using the same needle with a side hole might increase risk of needle fracture during EUS-FNA. It is important to inform clinicians about the potential risk of needle fracture, particularly given the increasing number of EUS-FNAs being performed.

Endoscopic management of bile duct stones in patients with surgically altered anatomy

Bile duct stones in patients with surgically altered anatomy still pose a challenge to endoscopists. For successful endoscopic management of bile duct stones, there are multiple hurdles: Intubation to the afferent limb, biliary cannulation, ampullary intervention and stone extraction. The major advancement in this area is the development of dedicated device-assisted endoscopes for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). In patients with Billroth II reconstruction, a high technical success rate is reported using a duodenoscope but can be complicated by a potentially high perforation rate. In patients with Roux-en-Y reconstruction, device-assisted ERCP shows high technical success and low adverse event rates. Meanwhile, endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation enables safe and effective stone extraction with less use of endoscopic mechanical lithotripsy in patients with a dilated distal bile duct, but intraductal lithotripsy is sometimes necessary for management of very large bile duct stones. In cases with difficult stones, alternative approaches such as laparoscopy-assisted ERCP and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided intervention are increasingly reported with preliminary but promising results. However, comparative studies are still lacking in this area and prospective randomized controlled trials are warranted in terms of safety, efficacy and cost-effectiveness.

Safety and efficacy of ultra-tapered mechanical dilator for EUS-guided hepaticogastrostomy and pancreatic duct drainage compared with electrocautery dilator (with video)

Background and Objectives

Successful tract dilation is one of the most important steps to accomplish EUS-guided drainage. Although mechanical dilation is safer than electrocautery dilation, no dedicated mechanical dilator (MD) is currently available. Thus, we developed a new ultra-tapered MD for EUS-guided drainage. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and usefulness of this novel MD.

Patients and Methods

Consecutive patients who underwent EUS-guided hepaticogastrostomy (EUS-HGS) or EUS-guided pancreatic duct drainage (EUS-PD) at two centers were included in the study. Dilation of the needle tract was initially performed with a diathermic sheath or the ultra-tapered MD. Technical success and adverse events were assessed.

Results

Sixty-four patients (mean age = 68.9 ± 13.8 years, 35 men) underwent EUS-HGS (49 patients) and EUS-PD (15 patients). Thirty-three patients were included in the cautery dilator (CD) group and 31 in the ultra-tapered MD group. Initial dilation of the puncture site was achieved in 95.3% (61/64): 97% (32/33) of the patients in the CD group and 93.3% (29/31) of the patients in the MD group (P < 0.05). Adverse events were observed in 14 patients: abdominal pain in 8 patients and bleeding in 6 patients at the puncture site. All bleedings occurred in the CD group and there was no patient in whom bleeding occurred after EUS intervention in the MD group (P = 0.04).

Conclusion

The novel ultra-tapered MD designed for interventional EUS appears to be safe and useful as it reduced postprocedure bleeding with a high technical success rate compared with the conventional electrocautery dilator.

EUS-guided biliary drainage: A comprehensive review of the literature

EUS-guided biliary drainage (EUS-BD) has emerged as a technique for gaining biliary access when ERCP fails. This article gives a comprehensive review on the role and technique of EUS-BD. Moreover, we propose an algorithm guiding the clinician when to consider EUS-BD after failed ERCP or in anticipated difficult cannulations.

Evaluation of a novel, hybrid model (Mumbai EUS II) for stepwise teaching and training in EUS-guided biliary drainage and rendezvous procedures

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

 EUS-guided biliary drainage (EUS-BD) and rendezvous (EUS-RV) are acceptable rescue options for patients with failed endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). However, there are limited training opportunities at most centers owing to low case volumes. The existing models do not replicate the difficulties encountered during EUS-BD. We aimed to develop and validate a model for stepwise learning of EUS-BD and EUS-RV, which replicates the actual EUS-BD procedures.

METHODS

 A hybrid model was created utilizing pig esophagus and stomach, with a synthetic duodenum and biliary system. The model was objectively assessed on a grade of 1 - 4 by two experts. Twenty-eight trainees were given initial training with didactic lectures and live procedures. This was followed by hands-on training in EUS-BD and EUS-RV on the hybrid model. Trainees were assessed for objective criteria of technical difficulties.

RESULTS

 Both the experts graded the model as very good or above for all parameters. All trainees could complete the requisite steps of EUS-BD and EUS-RV in a mean time of 11 minutes (8 - 18 minutes). Thirty-six technical difficulties were noted during the training (wrong scope position, 13; incorrect duct puncture, 12; guidewire related problems, 11). Technical difficulties peaked for EUS-RV, followed by hepaticogastrostomy (HGS) and choledochoduodenostomy (CDS) (20, 9, and 7, P  = 0.001). At 10 days follow-up, nine of 28 trainees had successfully performed three EUS-RV and seven EUS-BD procedures independently.

CONCLUSIONS

 The Mumbai EUS II hybrid model replicates situations encountered during EUS-RV and EUS-BD. Stepwise mentoring improves the chances of success in EUS-RV and EUS-BD procedures.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided pancreaticogastrostomy for symptomatic pancreatic duct obstruction caused by migrated pancreatic stent

Endoscopic pancreatic stenting has been widely used in various pancreatic conditions. With the increasing use of pancreatic stents, many complications have been recognized. Especially, proximal stent migration presents a serious condition because of subsequent pancreatic duct obstruction, impaired drainage, ductal dilation, and pancreatic pain. Although endoscopic retrieval is the preferred treatment for proximally migrated pancreatic stents, it is not always successful, resulting in conversion to surgery. To date, endoscopic ultrasound-guided pancreatic duct drainage (EUS-PD) has never been reported for treatment of pancreatic duct obstruction caused by proximally migrated pancreatic stent. We herein describe a case of pancreatic duct rupture and obstruction caused by proximally migrated pancreatic stent that was successfully treated by EUS-guided pancreaticogastrostomy while keeping the former stent in situ after failed endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. We believe that this report adds to the increasing evidence of symptomatic pancreatic duct obstruction being successfully treated by EUS-PD.

Endoscopic Ultrasonography-Guided Techniques for Accessing and Draining the Biliary System and the Pancreatic Duct

When endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) fails to decompress the biliary system or the pancreatic duct, endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS)-guided biliary or pancreatic access and drainage can be used. Data show a high success rate and acceptable adverse event rate for EUS-guided biliary drainage. The outcomes of EUS-guided biliary drainage seem equivalent to percutaneous drainage and ERCP, whereas only retrospective studies are available for pancreatic duct drainage. In this article, revision of the technical and clinical status and the current evidence of interventional EUS-guided biliary and pancreatic duct access and drainage are presented.

Techniques for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in altered gastrointestinal anatomy

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review highlights the current status of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) techniques in patients with altered anatomy. Endoscopic treatment of biliopancreatic disorders is particularly challenging in patients with altered anatomy.

RECENT FINDINGS

There are two main approaches to perform ERCP in patients with altered anatomy: the transluminal access and the transmural access. The transluminal access uses device-assisted enteroscopy (DAE) to reach and cannulate the biliopancreatic system. The transmural access is created using therapeutic endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) or surgery to reach the biliopancreatic system. Both techniques are under continuous development and optimization.

SUMMARY

Based on the currently available data in the literature, the transluminal access is the preferred first-line approach because of an acceptable success rate and an excellent safety profile, whereas the transmural approach may be more efficacious but with a higher complication rate, even in experienced hands. Due to the complexity of both techniques and the relative low number of procedures, patients with altered anatomy are best referred to high-volume centres where both techniques are available for optimal treatment.

Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Pancreatic Duct Intervention

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided pancreatic duct intervention (EUS-PDI) is an emerging endoscopic approach allowing access and intervention to the pancreatic duct (PD) for patients with failed endoscopic retrograde pancreatography (ERP) or patients with surgically altered anatomy. As opposed to biliary drainage for which percutaneous drainage is an alternative following failed endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), the treatment options after failed ERP are very limited. Therefore, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided access to the PD and options for subsequent drainage may play an important role as an alternative to surgical intervention. However, this approach is technically demanding with a high risk of complications, and should only be performed by highly experienced endoscopists. In this review, we describe an overview of the current endoscopic approaches, basic technical tips, and outcomes using these procedures.