Complications of Long-Term Indwelling Transmural Double Pigtail Stent Placement for Symptomatic Peripancreatic Fluid Collections

Controversies in endoscopic ultrasonography-guided management of walled-off necrosis

Walled-off necrosis (WON) develops as local complications after acute necrotizing pancreatitis. Although less invasive interventions such as endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS)-guided drainage and endoscopic necrosectomy are selected over surgical interventions, delayed and step-up interventions are still preferred to avoid procedure-related adverse events. However, there is a controversy about the appropriate timing of drainage and subsequent necrosectomy. The advent of large-caliber lumen-apposing metal stents has also brought about potential advantages of proactive interventions, which still needs investigation in future trials. When step-up interventions of necrosectomy and additional drainage are necessary, a structured or protocoled approach for WON has been reported to improve safety and effectiveness of endoscopic and/or percutaneous treatment, but has not been standardized yet. Finally, long-term outcomes such as recurrence of WON, pancreatic endocrine, and exocrine function are increasingly investigated in association with disconnected pancreatic duct syndrome. In this review we discuss current evidence and controversy on EUS-guided management of WON.

Efficacy and safety of long-term indwelling plastic stents after resolution of pancreatic fluid collections with endoscopic transmural drainage: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Pancreatic fluid collections (PFCs) may recur after resolution with endoscopic transmural drainage (ETD) and standard stent removal (SSR). Herein, we compared the efficacy and safety of leaving long-term indwelling plastic stents (LTIS) vs. standard stent removal after PFC resolution with ETD.

METHODS

We performed a systematic review of MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Scopus, and Cochrane databases from inception to September 2022. Full-text articles comparing long-term (> 6 months) outcomes of LTIS and SSR were eligible, as well as single-arm studies with ≥ 10 patients with LTIS. Two independent reviewers selected studies, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Measured outcomes included the following: (A) PFC recurrence; (B) interventions for PFC recurrence; (C) technical success; and (D) adverse events (AEs). Meta-analysis was carried out using random-effects models.

RESULTS

We included 16 studies, encompassing 1285 patients. Compared to SSR after PFC resolution with ETD, LTIS was associated with significantly lower risk of PFC recurrence (3% vs. 23%; OR 0.22 [95%CI 0.09-0.52]; I2 = 45%) and need for interventions (2% vs. 14%; OR 0.35 [95%CI 0.16-0.78]; I2 = 0%). The superiority of LTIS on reducing PFC recurrence was found with walled-off necrosis, with or without disconnected pancreatic duct, and with placement of ≥ 2 LTIS. When using LTIS, the pooled proportion of AEs was 8% (95%CI 4-11%) and technical success was 93% (95%CI 86-99%).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results show that LTIS after PFC resolution with ETD is feasible, safe, and superior to SSR in reducing the risk of PFC recurrence and need for interventions.

Tardive Peritonitis After Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Pancreatic Pseudocyst Drainage: A Case Report

Here, we report a case of tardive peritonitis after endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided transmural pancreatic pseudocyst drainage. A 50-year-old man was diagnosed with acute pancreatitis and a pancreatic pseudocyst measuring 5 cm. Ten months later, his pancreatic pseudocyst was 10 cm. We performed EUS-guided transmural drainage using a lumen-apposing metal stent. After two months, the stent was replaced with a double-pigtail plastic stent. Two months later, the patient developed fever and abdominal pain, and computed tomography revealed abdominal free air. He was diagnosed with peritonitis due to free air caused by a fistula rupture. The double-pigtail plastic stent was removed, and clipping was performed at the fistula site to achieve closure. The patient's symptoms subsequently improved. Long-term placement of a plastic stent for pancreatic pseudocysts makes recurrence less likely, but late adverse events due to stent placement can occur. Notably, fistula rupture can occur even when the fistula is well-formed several months after the initial drainage.

Risk of recurrence with or without plastic stent after EUS-guided treatment of peripancreatic fluid collections: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background and study aims Recent advances in endoscopic transmural treatment have improved the clinical outcomes of patients with pancreatic fluid collections (PFCs). However, there is still a debate about the preventive effect of long-term placement of a transmural plastic stent (PS) on recurrence after successful endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided treatment of PFCs. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate PFC recurrence rates with and without a transmural PS after EUS-guided treatment. Patients and methods A systematic literature search of PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane database was conducted to identify clinical studies comparing outcomes with and without transmural PS published until September 2022. Data on PFC recurrence and adverse events (AEs) were pooled using a random-effects model. Results Nine studies including 380 patients with long-term transmural PS and 289 patients without PS were identified. The rate of PFC recurrence was significantly lower in patients with transmural PS (pooled odds ratio [OR] = 0.23, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.08-0.65], P = 0.005). In a subgroup analysis limited to studies focusing on patients with disconnected pancreatic duct syndrome, which has been reported to be a risk factor for PFC recurrence, the OR was numerically lower than that for the entire cohort (OR = 0.14, 95% CI [0.04-0.46]). The rate of AEs was significantly higher with long-term transmural PS (OR = 14.77, 95% CI [4.21-51.83]). Conclusions In this meta-analysis, long-term PS placement reduced the risk of PFC recurrence. Given the potential AEs of indwelling PS, further research is required to evaluate the overall benefits of long-term PS placement.

Time to think prime times for treatment of necrotizing pancreatitis: Pendulum conundrum

Pancreatic fluid collections (PFCs) typically develop as local complications of acute pancreatitis and complicate the clinical course of patients with acute pancreatitis and potentially fatal clinical outcomes. Interventions are required in cases of symptomatic walled-off necrosis (WON) (matured PFCs with necrosis) and pancreatic pseudocysts (matured PFCs without necrosis). In the management of necrotizing pancreatitis and WON, endoscopic ultrasound-guided transluminal drainage combined with on-demand endoscopic necrosectomy (i.e. the step-up approach) is increasingly used as a less invasive treatment modality compared with a surgical or percutaneous approach. Through the substantial research efforts and development of specific devices and stents (e.g. lumen-apposing metal stents), endoscopic techniques of PFC management have been standardized to some extent. However, there has been no consensus about timing of carrying out each treatment step; for instance, it is uncertain when direct endoscopic necrosectomy should be initiated and finished and when a plastic or metal stent should be removed following clinical treatment success. Despite emerging evidence for the effectiveness of noninterventional supportive treatment (e.g. antibiotics, nutritional support, irrigation of the cavity), there has been only limited data on the timing of starting and stopping the treatment. Large studies are required to optimize the timing of those treatment options and improve clinical outcomes of patients with PFCs. In this review, we summarize the current available evidence on the indications and timing of interventional and supportive treatment modalities for this patient population and discussed clinical unmet needs that should be addressed in future research.

A case in which the tip of a plastic stent placed to prevent recurrence of walled‐off necrosis penetrated the bile duct and formed a stent–stone complex

A woman in her 60s underwent endoscopic sphincterotomy for choledocholithiasis. Unfortunately, post‐endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis occurred. In addition, huge walled‐off necrosis (WON) appeared as a late complication. For the infected WON, endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fistuloplasty and endoscopic necrosectomy were performed, and a double pigtail plastic stent (PS) (7Fr, 7 cm) was placed to prevent a recurrence. Plain computed tomography conducted two years later showed that the stent implanted for WON had deviated. The distal end of the stent was found to have migrated into the bile duct. In addition, common bile duct stones with stents as nuclei were observed. Upon performing endoscopic retrograde cholangiography, it was revealed that the stent tip perforated the distal bile duct just above the papilla. After removal of the stent using grasping forceps, we made an incision between the duodenal – bile duct fistula and bile duct orifice using a sphincterotome. Then, the stone was removed by a balloon catheter. Although such late adverse events are rare occurrences, placement of long‐term PS after treatment of WON should be followed up regularly with imaging examination, and if there is no recurrence for several months, removal of the PS at that point may be considered.

Endoscopic management of pancreatic fluid collections with disconnected pancreatic duct syndrome

Disconnected pancreatic duct syndrome (DPDS) is an important and common complication of acute necrotizing pancreatitis. Endoscopic approach has been established as the first-line treatment for pancreatic fluid collections (PFCs) with less invasion and satisfactory outcome. However, the presence of DPDS significantly complicates the management of PFC; besides, there is no standardized treatment for DPDS. The diagnosis of DPDS presents the first step of management, which can be preliminarily established by imaging methods including contrast-enhanced computed tomography, ERCP, magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP), and EUS. Historically, ERCP is considered as the gold standard for the diagnosis of DPDS, and secretin-enhanced MRCP is recommended as an appropriate diagnostic method in existing guidelines. With the development of endoscopic techniques and accessories, the endoscopic approach, mainly including transpapillary and transmural drainage, has been developed as the preferred treatment over percutaneous drainage and surgery for the management of PFC with DPDS. Many studies concerning various endoscopic treatment strategies have been published, especially in the recent 5 years. Nonetheless, existing current literature has reported inconsistent and confusing results. In this article, the latest evidence is summarized to explore the optimal endoscopic management of PFC with DPDS.

Long-term transmural drainage of pancreatic fluid collections with double pigtail stents following lumen-apposing metal stent placement improves recurrence-free survival in disconnected pancreatic duct syndrome

OBJECTIVES

Disconnected pancreatic duct syndrome (DPDS) is the most common cause of pancreatic fluid collection (PFC) recurrence. While long-term transmural drainage with plastic stents is the preferred endoscopic approach, there is a paucity of literature on patients undergoing initial drainage with lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMS). We describe our experience managing patients with DPDS.

METHODS

A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database (November 2015-September 2020) was performed looking at clinical outcomes and overall survival for patients undergoing endoscopic management of PFCs using LAMS. The primary outcome was to assess recurrence-free survival in PFC patients with DPDS managed with or without double pigtail stents (DPS) replacement after LAMS removal.

RESULTS

Of 96 patients with PFCs, 48 with DPDS were included in the study. The median follow-up was 20.1 months. LAMS replacement with DPS was successful in 21/48 (43.8%) patients. Recurrence was seen in 1/21 (5%) patients with DPS replacement and 10/27 (37%) without DPS replacement. In multivariable models, a longer duration of LAMS placement was negatively associated with successful DPS replacement (odds ratio 1.33, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.11, 1.59, P = 0.0019) and successful LAMS replacement with DPS in patients with DPDS improved recurrence-free survival (hazard ratio 0.09, 95% CI 0.01, 0.83, P = 0.033).

CONCLUSION

In patients with PFCs and DPDS, early replacement of LAMS with DPS improves the likelihood of successful long-term transmural drainage and decreases recurrences.

Disconnected pancreatic duct syndrome and outcomes of endoscopic ultrasound-guided treatment of pancreatic fluid collections: Systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Disconnected pancreatic duct syndrome (DPDS) frequently occurs in patients with acute necrotizing pancreatitis and resultant pancreatic fluid collection (PFC). We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate outcomes of endoscopic ultrasound-guided treatment of PFCs according to the presence of DPDS.

METHODS

Using PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane database, we identified clinical studies published until January 2021 with data comparing outcomes of endoscopic ultrasound-guided drainage of PFCs between DPDS and non-DPDS patients. We pooled data on technical and clinical success rates, PFC recurrence, and adverse events using the random-effects model.

RESULTS

We identified five eligible articles including 941 PFC patients treated with endoscopic ultrasound-guided interventions. Clinical success, defined as resolution of the PFC and symptoms, was achieved in a majority of the cases irrespective of DPDS (pooled odds ratio [OR] comparing DPDS to non-DPDS patients, 0.77; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.33-1.81). Compared to patients without DPDS, patients with DPDS were more likely to undergo PFC recurrence (pooled OR 6.72; 95% CI 2.72-16.6) after clinical resolution of PFC. Prolonged plastic stent placement following the clinical resolution was more frequently performed in DPDS patients than in non-DPDS patients (pooled OR 15.9; 95% CI 2.76-91.9). No statistically significant difference was observed between the groups in terms of the rate of technical success, adverse events, or mortality.

CONCLUSION

Disconnected pancreatic duct syndrome was associated with higher rate of PFC recurrence after successful endoscopic treatment of PFCs. Future studies should evaluate effectiveness and optimal duration of long-term placement of transmural plastic stents for PFCs with DPDS.

[Disconnected pancreatic duct syndrome in acute pancreatitis]

The review is devoted to diagnosis and treatment of disconnected pancreatic duct syndrome (DPDS) in patients with acute pancreatitis. Data on terminology, indications and options for endoscopic transluminal interventions are presented in detail. The results of numerous studies evaluating clinical efficacy of various endoscopic and open surgical procedures are analyzed. Available data confirm advisability of staged treatment of DPDS with primary endoscopic drainage of pancreatic fluid accumulations in specialized centers.

Indwelling double-pigtail plastic stents for treating disconnected pancreatic duct syndrome-associated peripancreatic fluid collections: long-term safety and efficacy

BACKGROUND

Long-term transmural double-pigtail stent (DPS) placement is recommended for patients with disconnected pancreatic duct syndrome (DPDS) and peripancreatic fluid collections (peri-PFCs). The long-term safety and efficacy of indwelling DPSs were evaluated.

METHODS

Medical files of patients treated with DPS for DPDS-associated peri-PFC and with a follow-up ≥ 48 months were reviewed. Early ( < 30 days) and late complications of DPS placement were evaluated and the primary endpoint, i. e., incidence of late complications per 100 patient-years of follow-up, was calculated. Short- and long-term success rates of endoscopic treatment and rate of peri-PFC recurrence were among secondary endpoints.

RESULTS

From 2002 to 2014 we identified 116 patients, with mean (SD) follow-up of 80.6 (34.4) months. Among early complications (n = 20), 6 occurred peri-interventionally. Late complications (n = 17) were mainly pain due to DPS-induced ulcer or erosion (n = 10) and 14 of these were treated conservatively or by stent removal; 2 gastro-pancreatico-colo-cutaneous fistulas and 1 persisting bleed required surgical intervention. No DPS-related deaths were recorded. The incidence rate (95 %CI) of late complications was 2.18 (1.27-3.49) per 100 patient-years of follow-up. Short- and long-term success rates (with 95 %CI) of endoscopic treatment were 97.4 % (94.5 %-100 %) and 94 % (89.6 %-98.3 %), respectively. The peri-PFC recurrence rate was 28 % (20.1 %-35.9 %), and 92.3 % of these occurred within the first 2 years. Stent migration, chronic pancreatitis, and length of stent (> 6 cm) were independently associated with higher rates of peri-PFC recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term transmural drainage with DPS is a safe and effective treatment for DPDS-associated peri-PFCs. However, about one quarter of peri-PFCs will recur.

Endoscopic transmural drainage is associated with improved outcomes in disconnected pancreatic duct syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Disconnected pancreatic duct syndrome (DPDS) is a complication of acute necrotizing pancreatitis in the neck and body of the pancreas often manifesting as persistent pancreatic fluid collection (PFC) or external pancreatic fistula (EPF). This systematic review and pairwise meta-analysis aimed to review the definitions, clinical presentation, intervention, and outcomes for DPDS.

METHODS

The PubMed, EMBASE, MEDLINE, and SCOPUS databases were systematically searched until February 2020 using the PRISMA framework. A meta-analysis was performed to assess the success rates of endoscopic and surgical interventions for the treatment of DPDS. Success of DPDS treatment was defined as long-term resolution of symptoms without recurrence of PFC, EPF, or pancreatic ascites.

RESULTS

Thirty studies were included in the quantitative analysis comprising 1355 patients. Acute pancreatitis was the most common etiology (95.3%, 936/982), followed by chronic pancreatitis (3.1%, 30/982). DPDS commonly presented with PFC (83.2%, 948/1140) and EPF (13.4%, 153/1140). There was significant heterogeneity in the definition of DPDS in the literature. Weighted success rate of endoscopic transmural drainage (90.6%, 95%-CI 81.0-95.6%) was significantly higher than transpapillary drainage (58.5%, 95%-CI 36.7-77.4). Pairwise meta-analysis showed comparable success rates between endoscopic and surgical intervention, which were 82% (weighted 95%-CI 68.6-90.5) and 87.4% (95%-CI 81.2-91.8), respectively (P = 0.389).

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic transmural drainage was superior to transpapillary drainage for the management of DPDS. Endoscopic and surgical interventions had comparable success rates. The significant variability in the definitions and treatment strategies for DPDS warrant standardisation for further research.

Bronchial fistula and esophageal stricture following endoscopic trans-gastric drainage for a mediastinal pancreatic pseudocyst

A 43-year-old man with alcoholic cirrhosis and chronic alcoholic pancreatitis was referred for evaluation of chest pain and an enlarging pleural effusion. Computed tomography revealed a bilateral pleural effusion and longitudinal multilocular pancreatic pseudocysts extending to the posterior mediastinum along the esophagus. He was diagnosed with a mediastinal pancreatic pseudocyst rupturing into the pleural cavity and was initially treated with endoscopic ultrasound-guided trans-gastric drainage. After 4 months of stable disease, dysphagia and a severe cough developed due to an esophageal stricture and main bronchial fistula. Considering the inadequate drainage, the trans-gastric drainage stent was surgically exchanged for a percutaneous external drain and the bronchial fistula was repaired using an intercostal muscle flap. After improvement of the mediastinal abscess and the symptoms, he was discharged on post-operative day 72. Two years post-operatively, he is in good health with no recurrence. We herein report a rare case of a bronchial fistula and esophageal stricture after endoscopic trans-gastric drainage of a mediastinal pancreatic pseudocyst. Endoscopic trans-gastric drainage is an effective treatment for mediastinal pancreatic pseudocysts, but it is important to provide appropriate alternative treatment depending on the course of treatment.

Role of pancreatography in the endoscopic management of encapsulated pancreatic collections – review and new proposed classification

Pancreatic fluids collections are local complications related to acute or chronic pancreatitis and may require intervention when symptomatic and/or complicated. Within the last decade, endoscopic management of these collections via endoscopic ultrasound-guided transmural drainage has become the gold standard treatment for encapsulated pancreatic collections with high clinical success and lower morbidity compared to traditional surgery and percutaneous drainage. Proper understanding of anatomic landmarks, including assessment of the main pancreatic duct and any associated lesions – such as disruptions and strictures – are key to achieving clinical success, reducing the need for reintervention or recurrence, especially in cases with suspected disconnected pancreatic duct syndrome. Additionally, proper review of imaging and anatomic landmarks, including collection location, are pivotal to determine type and size of pancreatic stenting as well as approach using long-term transmural indwelling plastic stents. Pancreatography to adequately assess the main pancreatic duct may be performed by two methods: Either non-invasively using magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography or endoscopically via retrograde cholangiopan-creatography. Despite the critical need to understand anatomy via pancrea-tography and assess the main pancreatic duct, a standardized approach or uniform assessment strategy has not been described in the literature. Therefore, the aim of this review was to clarify the role of pancreatography in the endoscopic management of encapsulated pancreatic collections and to propose a new classification system to aid in proper assessment and endoscopic treatment.

A Comparison of Endoscopic Versus Surgical Creation of a Cystogastrostomy to Drain Pancreatic Pseudocysts and Walled-Off Pancreatic Necrosis in 5500 Patients

Objective

To determine the success, morbidity, and mortality rates of endoscopic and surgical creation of pancreatic cystenterostomies for the drainage of peripancreatic fluid collections, pseudocysts with necrotic debris, and walled-off pancreatic necrosis.

Summary Background Data

Endoscopic methods of cystenterostomy creation to drain pancreatic pseudocysts (with and without necrotic debris) and infected peripancreatic fluid collections are perceived to be less morbid than surgery. Contemporary reports document a very high complication rate with endoscopic methods.

Methods

A meta-analysis of 5500 patients.

Results

Open and laparoscopic surgical techniques to drain chronic pancreatic pseudocysts, infected pancreatic fluid collections, and walled-off pancreatic necrosis are more successful with less morbidity and mortality than endoscopic methods.

Conclusions

In regards to a surgical step-up approach to treat chronic infected pancreatic fluid collections or walled-off pancreatic necrosis, surgical creation of a cystenterostomy is more successful with fewer complications than endoscopic methods and should be given priority if less invasive or conservative methods fail.

Clinical and morphological consequences of permanent indwelling transmural plastic stents in disconnected pancreatic duct syndrome

Background:

Long-term indwelling transmural stents in patients with walled-off necrosis (WON) and disconnected pancreatic duct syndrome (DPDS) is an effective strategy to decrease risk of recurrence of pancreatic fluid collection (PFC). However, long-term studies on the safety and efficacy of this strategy are lacking.

Methods:

Retrospective analysis of database of patients with WON treated with endoscopic transmural drainage over the past 8 years was done to identify patients with DPDS and indwelling transmural stents for >3 years.

Results:

During the past 8 years, 56 patients with indwelling transmural stent for >3 years were identified and 67.85% of these patients had 10 Fr stents and 32.15% of patients had 7 Fr stents. On follow-up, 5 (8.9%) patients had pancreatic pain with one patient (1.78%) developing recurrence of PFC despite stent being in situ. Two (3.5%) patients had asymptomatic spontaneous external migration of the transmural stent. Fourteen (25%) patients developed diabetes. Two (3.5%) patients developed local complications due to indwelling stent (stent eroded into descending colon in one patient and stent-induced parenchymal calcification in the other). Forty-eight (85.7%) patients underwent EUS on follow-up and disconnected pancreas revealed ≥5 criteria for the diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis in 15 (31.25%) patients.

Conclusions:

Long-term indwelling transmural plastic stents in patients with WON and DPDS are safe and effective with minimal complications. Despite the presence of stents, disconnected pancreas develops morphological changes resembling chronic pancreatitis in one-third patients and clinical consequences of these changes need to be further evaluated.

Complications of endoscopic ultrasound-guided transmural drainage of pancreatic fluid collections and their management

The development of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided drainage techniques and lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMS) has markedly reduced the complication rate of endoscopic transmural drainage of pancreatic collections and made these procedures safer and more effective. Despite its improved safety profile, various types of complications, some even life-threatening, can occur after EUS-guided drainage of pancreatic fluid collections. Stent maldeployment/migration, bleeding, gastrointestinal perforation, and air embolism are important complications of EUS-guided drainage of pancreatic collections. Delayed complications weeks after the procedure, such as bleeding and buried LAMS due to the presence of prolonged indwelling transmural stents, have also been described. Careful patient selection, with proper assessment of the size, solid necrotic content and location of the collection, as well as an in-depth understanding of various risk factors that predict complications, are important for a safer and more effective endoscopic transmural drainage. For a better clinical outcome, it is important for the endoscopist to know about various complications of EUS-guided drainage of pancreatic collections, as well as their appropriate management strategies.