ERCP performed through previously placed duodenal stents: a multicenter retrospective study of outcomes and adverse events

Management of Malignant Gastric Outlet Obstruction: A Comprehensive Review on the Old, the Classic and the Innovative Approaches

Gastrojejunostomy is the principal method of palliation for unresectable malignant gastric outlet obstructions (GOO). Gastrojejunostomy was traditionally performed as a surgical procedure with an open approach butrecently, notable progress in the development of minimally invasive procedures such as laparoscopic gastrojejunostomies have emerged. Additionally, advancements in endoscopic techniques, including endoscopic stenting (ES) and endoscopic ultrasound-guided gastroenterostomy (EUS-GE), are becoming more prominent. ES involves the placement of self-expandable metal stents (SEMS) to restore luminal patency. ES is commonly the first choice for patients deemed unfit for surgery or at high surgical risk. However, although ES leads to rapid improvement of symptoms, it carries limitations like higher stent dysfunction rates and the need for frequent re-interventions. Recently, EUS-GE has emerged as a potential alternative, combining the minimally invasive nature of the endoscopic approach with the long-lasting effects of a gastrojejunostomy. Having reviewed the advantages and disadvantages of these different techniques, this article aims to provide a comprehensive review regarding the management of unresectable malignant GOO.

Combined endoscopic mAnagement of BiliaRy and gastrIc OutLET obstruction (CABRIOLET Study): A multicenter retrospective analysis

Objectives

Combined biliary obstruction and gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) represent a challenging clinical scenario despite developments in therapeutic endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) as GOO might impair EUS‐guided biliary drainage. Little is known about the effectiveness of different therapeutic combinations used to treat double obstruction, especially regarding stent patency.

Methods

All consecutive patients with double obstruction treated between 2016 and 2021 in three tertiary academic centres were eligible for inclusion. Five combinations involving enteral stenting (ES), EUS‐guided gastroenterostomy (EUS‐GE), hepaticogastrostomy (EUS‐HGS), choledochoduodenostomy (EUS‐CDS), and transpapillary biliary stenting (TPS) were evaluated for dysfunction during follow‐up, either as proportions or dysfunction‐free survival (DFS) using Kaplan–Meier estimates.

Results

Ninety‐three patients were included (male 46%; age 67 [interquartile range 60–76] years; pancreatic cancer 73%, metastatic 57%), resulting in 103 procedure combinations. Different combinations showed significantly different overall dysfunction rates (p = 0.009), ranging from the null rate of EUS‐GE+HG to the 18% rate of EUS‐GE+TPS, 31% of EUS‐GE+EUS‐CD, 53% of ES+TPS and 83% of ES+EUS‐CDS. Sub‐analyses restricted to biliary dysfunction confirmed these trends. A multivariate Cox proportional‐hazards regression of DFS, a stenosis distal to the papilla (HR 3.2 [1.5–6.9]) and ES+EUS‐CDS (HR 5.6 [2–15.7]) independently predicted dysfunction.

Conclusions

Despite a lack of statistical power per combination, this study introduces new associations beyond the increased risk of GOO recurrence with ES versus EUS‐GE. EUS‐CDS showed reduced effectiveness and frequent dysfunction in the context of GOO, especially when combined with ES. EUS‐GE+HGS or EUS‐GE+TPS in this setting might result in superior patency. These results suggest that a prospective evaluation of the optimal endoscopic approach to malignant double obstruction is needed.

Advanced Endoscopic Techniques for the Diagnosis of Pancreatic Cancer and Management of Biliary and GastricOutlet Obstruction

Following high-quality imaging studies for staging, endoscopic ultrasound examination fine needle aspiration/biopsy is the preferred modality for tissue diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with metal stent placement is used for palliation of malignant biliary obstruction. Metal stents can be placed in patients with resectable pancreatic cancer in whom surgery is going to be delayed. For palliation of gastric outlet obstruction, endoscopic enteral stenting is often selected because of its less invasiveness. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage for malignant biliary obstruction or gastrojejunostomy for gastric outlet obstruction are emerging less invasive techniques as compared with palliative surgery.

AGA Clinical Practice Update on the Optimal Management of the Malignant Alimentary Tract Obstruction: Expert Review

BACKGROUND & AIMS

The purpose of this expert review is to describe the current methodologies available to manage malignant alimentary tract obstructions as well the evidence behind the various methods (including their efficacy and safety), indications, and appropriate timing of interventions.

METHODS

This is not a formal systematic review but is based on a review of the literature to provide best practice advice statements. No formal rating of the quality of evidence or strength of recommendation is carried out. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 1: For all patients with alimentary tract obstruction, the decision about specific interventions should be made in a multidisciplinary setting including oncologists, surgeons, and endoscopists and take into account the characteristics of the obstruction, patient's expectations, prognosis, expected subsequent therapies, and functional status. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 2: For patients who present with esophageal obstruction from esophageal cancer and who are potential candidates for resection or chemoradiation, clinicians should not routinely insert a self-expanding metal stent (SEMS) without multidisciplinary review because of high rates of stent migration, higher morbidity and mortality, and potentially lower R0 (microscopically negative margins) resection rates. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 3: For patients who present with esophageal obstruction from esophageal cancer who are potential candidates for resection and who have concerns of malnutrition, clinicians may consider the use of enteral feeding tubes (via nasogastric or percutaneous route). Clinicians should be aware of the potential risk of abdominal wall tumor seeding as well as making subsequent gastric conduit formation difficult with percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy placement. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 4: For patients who present with esophageal obstruction from esophageal cancer who are not candidates for resection, clinicians should consider either SEMS insertion or brachytherapy as sole therapy or in combination. Clinicians should not consider the use of laser therapy or photodynamic therapy because of the lack of evidence of better outcomes and superior alternatives. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 5: For patients with malignant esophageal obstruction who are undergoing SEMS placement, clinicians should use a fully covered or partially covered SEMS and not an uncovered SEMS, with consideration of a stent-anchoring/fixation method. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 6: For patients with gastric outlet obstruction who have a life expectancy greater than 2 months, have good functional status, and who are surgically fit, surgical gastrojejunostomy should be considered. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 7: For patients with gastric outlet obstruction who are undergoing surgical gastrojejunostomy, a laparoscopic approach is favored over an open approach because of lower blood loss and shorter hospital stay. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 8: For patients with gastric outlet obstruction who are not candidates for gastrojejunostomy (surgical or endoscopic ultrasound-guided), clinicians should consider the insertion of an enteral stent. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 9: Enteral stents should not be used in patients with multiple luminal obstructions or severely impaired gastric motility because of the limited benefit in these scenarios. Clinicians can consider placement of a venting gastrostomy in these patients. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 10: Depending on the experience of the endoscopist, endoscopic ultrasound-guided gastrojejunostomy is an acceptable alternative to surgical gastrojejunostomy and enteral stent placement. Clinicians should be aware that there are currently no dedicated Food and Drug Administration-approved devices for endoscopic ultrasound-guided gastrojejunostomy. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 11: For patients with malignant colonic obstruction who are candidates for resection, insertion of SEMS is a reasonable choice as a "bridge to surgery" to allow for one-stage, elective resection. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 12: For patients with malignant colonic obstruction who are not candidates for resection, either SEMS placement or a diverting colostomy are reasonable choices depending on the patient's goals and functional status. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 13: SEMS is a reasonable option for patients with proximal (or right-sided) malignant obstructions, both as a "bridge to surgery" and in the palliative setting. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 14: SEMS placement is a reasonable alternative for patients with extracolonic malignancy who are not candidates for surgery, although their placement is more technically challenging, clinical success rates are more variable, and complications (including stent migration) are more frequent.

Endoscopic Double Stenting for the Management of Combined Malignant Biliary and Duodenal Obstruction

Periampullary cancers are often diagnosed at advanced stages and can cause both biliary and duodenal obstruction. As these two obstructions reduce patients’ performance status and quality of life, appropriate management of the disease is important. Combined malignant biliary and duodenal obstruction is classified according to the location and timing of the duodenal obstruction, which also affect treatment options. Traditionally, surgical bypass (gastrojejunostomy and hepaticojejunostomy) has been performed for the treatment of unresectable periampullary cancer. However, it has recently been substituted by less invasive endoscopic procedures due to its high morbidity and mortality. Thus, endoscopic double stenting (transpapillary stenting and enteral stenting) has become the current standard of care. Limitations of transpapillary stenting include its technical difficulty and the risk of duodenal-biliary reflux. Recently, endoscopic ultrasound-guided procedures have emerged as a novel platform and have been increasingly utilized in the management of biliary and duodenal obstruction. As the prognosis of periampullary cancer has improved due to recent advances in chemotherapy, treatment strategies for biliary and duodenal obstruction are becoming more important. In this article, we review the treatment strategies for combined malignant biliary and duodenal obstruction based on the latest evidence.

Double Stenting for Malignant Biliary and Duodenal Obstruction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Data about the efficacy of palliative double stenting for malignant duodenal and biliary obstruction are limited.

Endoscopic management of malignant gastric outlet obstruction

Malignant gastric outlet obstruction (MGOO) is a late complication of advanced malignancies, mostly occurring due to gastrointestinal cancers or external compression outside the lumen. It causes nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, weight loss, and decreased quality of life. In the past, surgical bypass was the gold standard for the management of MGOO. However, the introduction of self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS) provides several advantages over surgical bypass, including earlier oral intake, rapid symptom relief, less invasiveness, and shorter hospital stays; therefore, it has replaced surgical bypass as the mainstream management approach in most situations. Although SEMS placement is a safe and effective way for palliation of MGOO, stent dysfunction with obstruction or migration limits the utilization and increases repeated intervention. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided gastroenterostomy with lumen-apposing metal stent has emerged as an alternative way to bypass the obstruction site and restore the oral intake of patients. Although a lower stent dysfunction rate was reported, further prospective studies are warranted to validate its effectiveness and safety.

Malignant gastric outlet obstruction: Which is the best therapeutic option?

Malignant gastric outlet obstruction (MGOO) is a clinical condition characterized by the mechanical obstruction of the pylorus or the duodenum due to tumor compression/infiltration, with consequent reduction or impossibility of an adequate oral intake. MGOO is mainly secondary to advanced pancreatic or gastric cancers, and significantly impacts on patients' survival and quality of life. Patients suffering from this condition often present with intractable vomiting and severe malnutrition, which further compromise therapeutic chances. Currently, palliative strategies are based primarily on surgical gastrojejunostomy and endoscopic enteral stenting with self-expanding metal stents. Several studies have shown that surgical approach has the advantage of a more durable relief of symptoms and the need of fewer re-interventions, at the cost of higher procedure-related risks and longer hospital stay. On the other hand, enteral stenting provides rapid clinical improvement, but have the limit of higher stent dysfunction rate due to tumor ingrowth and a subsequent need of frequent re-interventions. Recently, a third way has come from interventional endoscopic ultrasound, through the development of endoscopic ultrasound-guided gastroenterostomy technique with lumen-apposing metal stent. This new technique may ideally encompass the minimal invasiveness of an endoscopic procedure and the long-lasting effect of the surgical gastrojejunostomy, and brought encouraging results so far, even if prospective comparative trial are still lacking. In this Review, we described technical aspects and clinical outcomes of the above-cited therapeutic approaches, and discussed the open questions about the current management of MGOO.

Safety and outcomes of endoscopic ultrasound-guided drainage for malignant biliary obstruction using cautery-enabled lumen-apposing metal stent

Background and study aims  There is increasing evidence to suggest that EUS-guided biliary drainage (EUS-BD) is a safe and effective treatment alternative for patients with malignant biliary obstructions (MBOs) after failed endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. Patients and methods  We performed a retrospective analysis of data prospectively collected from patients with MBO who underwent choledochoduodenostomy (CDS) or gallbladder drainage (GBD) between August 2016 and June 2020 using the electrocautery-enabled lumen-apposing metal stents (ECE-LAMS). The primary endpoint was technical and clinical success. Secondary endpoints were adverse events (AEs) and reinterventions. Results  A total of 60 patients were included in the study, with 56 CDS and 4 GBD. Median age was 76 years with 57 % male (34/60). The most common indication for EUS-BD was pancreatic cancer (78 %). Technical success was achieved in 100 % of cases, with a clinical success rate of 91.7 %. Mean total bilirubin pre-procedure was 202 umol/L (normal < 20 umol/L) and 63.8 umol/L post procedure ( P  < .001). Twenty-one patients had bilirubin recorded at 2 weeks post EUS-BD with 20 of 21 patients demonstrating > 50 % reduction in bilirubin (mean bilirubin reduction 75 %). AEs occurred in 12 of 60 patients (20 %), all of which were mild. The reintervention rate was 11.7 % (7/60). Stent occlusion occurred in 10 of 60 patients (16.7 %) with a mean time to stent occlusion of 46.2 days (3-133). Stent patency of 83.3 % was observed with a mean follow up of 7.9 months. Conclusion  EUS-CDS and GBD using ECE-LAMS are effective EUS-based techniques for managing patients with MBO. AEs are usually mild and resolved by reintervention.

Efficacy and safety of ERCP in patients with gastroesophageal varices

Addressing pancreaticobiliary disorders concomitant with gastroesophageal varices remains challenging. The goal of this study was to evaluate and compare the efficacy and safety of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in cirrhotic and noncirrhotic patients with gastroesophageal varices.We retrospectively analyzed the data of consecutive patients with gastroesophageal varices who underwent ERCP.Two hundred seventy ERCP procedures were performed on 208 patients. The overall technical success rate was 98.5%, and no difference was found between cirrhotic and noncirrhotic patients (98.7% vs 97.7%, P = .511); of these, endoscopic retrograde biliary drainage, endoscopic metal biliary endoprosthesis placement, endoscopic retrograde pancreatic drainage, and stone extraction were conducted in 173/270 (64.1%), 27/270 (10.0%), 26/270 (9.6%), and 116/270 (43.0%) cases, respectively. Endoscopic retrograde biliary drainage and stone extraction were more frequently performed in cirrhotic cases (67.7% versus 45.5%, P = .005; 46.5% versus 25.0%, P = .009, respectively), while the noncirrhotic group had significantly higher rates of endoscopic metal biliary endoprosthesis placement (31.8% versus 5.8%, P = .000) and endoscopic retrograde pancreatic drainage (18.2% versus 8.0%, P = .036) than the cirrhotic group. The overall rate of adverse events was 21.1%, including fever (6.7%), post-ERCP pancreatitis ( 3.0%), hyperamylasemia (6.3%), duodenal papilla bleeding (3.3%), cardiac mucosal laceration (1.1%), and perforation (0.4%). No differences in any of the adverse events were found between the 2 groups. Additionally, gastroesophageal variceal bleeding occurred in 1 patient with grade III varices 7 days after ERCP.ERCP may be effective and safe for patients with gastroesophageal varices, irrespective of the etiologies caused by liver cirrhosis.

Bedside Biliary Drainage without Fluoroscopy for Critically Ill Patients

Background

Bedside biliary drainage by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) without fluoroscopy for critically ill patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) remains challenging for endoscopists. The present study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of radiation-free ERCP for these patients.

Methods

Consecutive ICU patients with severe pancreaticobiliary disorders who underwent bedside radiation-free ERCP were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

Radiation-free ERCP was performed in 80 patients with acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE II) score of 24.1 ± 6.2. Cannulation was achieved in 75 (93.75%) patients. Biliary drainage was successfully conducted in 74 (92.5%) patients, including 54 (67.5%) and 20 (25.0%) cases of endoscopic retrograde biliary drainage (ERBD) and endoscopic nasobiliary drainage (ENBD), respectively. Adverse event (mild post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP)) occurred only in 1 case. The 30-day mortality rate of these patients was 36.25% (29/80) and was much more higher in patients with ERBD in contrast to that of patients with ENBD, 40.7% (22/54) vs. 20% (4/20), OR = 2.750, 95%CI = 0.810 − 9.3405, P = 0.110. The APACHE II score in nonsurvivors was significantly higher than survivors, 27.6 ± 4.3 versus 22.2 ± 6.3, P = 0.009. The APACHE II score > 22 was an independent risk factor for mortality, 50% versus 10.7%, 95%CI = 2.148 − 31.569, P = 0.002.

Conclusions

Radiation-free ERCP guided bedside biliary drainage is effective and safe for critically ill patients, and ENBD may be an optimal procedure due to a low mortality in these patients.

Safety and efficacy of endoscopic ultrasound-guided gallbladder drainage combined with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in the same session

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided gallbladder drainage (EUS-GBD) is an emerging option for acute cholecystitis in non-surgical candidates. Combining endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for common bile duct stones with EUS-GBD in a single session might become a non-surgical management strategy to comprehensively treat gallstone disease in selected patients.

METHODS

Single-center retrospective cohort study comparing outcomes between EUS-GBD alone (group A) and single-session ERCP combined with EUS-GBD (group B). Consecutive patients who underwent EUS-GBD with a lumen-apposing metal stent (LAMS) between June 2011 and August 2018 were analyzed. Exclusion criteria were subjects included in randomized clinical trials, patients who had had ERCP within 5 days of EUS-GBD, patients in whom ERCP or EUS-GBD was carried out for salvage of one or the other procedure, and patients who underwent concurrent EUS-guided biliary drainage.

RESULTS

One hundred and nine consecutive patients underwent EUS-GBD with LAMS during the study period. Seventy-one patients satisfied the inclusion criteria and 34 patients were in group A and 37 in group B. Baseline characteristics were similar in both groups. There were no significant differences in technical (97.1% vs 97.3%; P = 0.19) and clinical success rates (88.2% vs 94.6%; P = 0.42) of EUS-GBD in group A versus group B. Rate of adverse events was similar in both groups, five (14.7%) in group A versus five (13.5%) in group B.

CONCLUSIONS

Single-session EUS-GBD combined with ERCP has comparable rates of technical and clinical success to EUS-GBD alone. A combined EUS-GBD and ERCP procedure does not appear to increase adverse events and makes possible comprehensive treatment of gallstone disease by purely endoscopic means.

Malignant gastric outlet obstruction: Which is the best therapeutic option?

Malignant gastric outlet obstruction (MGOO) is a clinical condition characterized by the mechanical obstruction of the pylorus or the duodenum due to tumor compression/infiltration, with consequent reduction or impossibility of an adequate oral intake. MGOO is mainly secondary to advanced pancreatic or gastric cancers, and significantly impacts on patients’ survival and quality of life. Patients suffering from this condition often present with intractable vomiting and severe malnutrition, which further compromise therapeutic chances. Currently, palliative strategies are based primarily on surgical gastrojejunostomy and endoscopic enteral stenting with self-expanding metal stents. Several studies have shown that surgical approach has the advantage of a more durable relief of symptoms and the need of fewer re-interventions, at the cost of higher procedure-related risks and longer hospital stay. On the other hand, enteral stenting provides rapid clinical improvement, but have the limit of higher stent dysfunction rate due to tumor ingrowth and a subsequent need of frequent re-interventions. Recently, a third way has come from interventional endoscopic ultrasound, through the development of endoscopic ultrasound-guided gastroenterostomy technique with lumen-apposing metal stent. This new technique may ideally encompass the minimal invasiveness of an endoscopic procedure and the long-lasting effect of the surgical gastrojejunostomy, and brought encouraging results so far, even if prospective comparative trial are still lacking. In this Review, we described technical aspects and clinical outcomes of the above-cited therapeutic approaches, and discussed the open questions about the current management of MGOO.

Efficacy and safety of therapeutic ERCP in patients with ectopic papilla of Vater

It remains challenging for endoscopists to manage pancreaticobiliary diseases in patients with ectopic papilla of Vater by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). The present study sought to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ERCP for this issue.Consecutive patients with ectopic papilla of Vater who underwent initial ERCP due to pancreaticobiliary diseases were retrospectively analyzed.One hundred seven patients with ectopic papilla of Vater were included. The success rate of cannulation was 83.2%. Endoscopic sphincterotomy, endoscopic papillary balloon dilation, and mechanical lithotripsy were performed in 12 (11.2%), 25 (23.4%), and 1 (0.9%) patients, respectively. The technical success rate was 83.2%; of these, endoscopic nasobiliary drainage, endoscopic retrograde biliary drainage, endoscopic retrograde pancreatic drainage, and stone extraction was conducted in 61 (57.0%), 17 (15.9%), 5 (4.7%), and 45 (42.1%) patients, respectively. Bile duct stone size ≥1 cm, number ≥2, and duodenum stenosis were risk factors for stone extraction inability. Adverse events occurred in 20 (18.7%) patients, including post-ERCP pancreatitis (3.7%), hyperamylasemia (12.1%), and infection of biliary tract (2.8%); all of the adverse events were mild and alleviated by conventional therapies.ERCP is an appropriate choice for pancreaticobiliary diseases in patients with ectopic papilla of Vater due to its high efficacy and safety. Bile duct stone size ≥1 cm, number ≥2, and duodenum stenosis increase difficulties for stone extraction.

Endoscopic management of gastric outlet obstruction disease

Gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) is a clinical syndrome characterized by a variety of symptoms. It may be caused by motor disorders and by benign or malignant mechanical disease. Endoscopic management of benign disease is mainly based on balloon dilation, augmented by the use of covered self-expanding metal stents (SEMS) in refractory disease. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided gastroenterostomy (EUS-GE) is increasingly used as an alternative method, although more studies with longer follow up are needed before it can be considered as a recommended therapy. Surgery remains the last resort. Endoscopic management of malignant GOO is based on SEMS placement as an alternative to palliative surgery, because it is a cost-effective method. The use of a covered or uncovered stent depends on patient-related variables, which include the stricture site, concomitant involvement of the bile duct, the patient's prognosis, probably the tumor type, and the use of chemotherapy. EUS-GE is a promising technique but needs more studies with longer follow up before any firm conclusions can be drawn.

Endoscopic management of gastric outlet obstruction disease

Gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) is a clinical syndrome characterized by a variety of symptoms. It may be caused by motor disorders and by benign or malignant mechanical disease. Endoscopic management of benign disease is mainly based on balloon dilation, augmented by the use of covered self-expanding metal stents (SEMS) in refractory disease. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided gastroenterostomy (EUS-GE) is increasingly used as an alternative method, although more studies with longer follow up are needed before it can be considered as a recommended therapy. Surgery remains the last resort. Endoscopic management of malignant GOO is based on SEMS placement as an alternative to palliative surgery, because it is a cost-effective method. The use of a covered or uncovered stent depends on patient-related variables, which include the stricture site, concomitant involvement of the bile duct, the patient’s prognosis, probably the tumor type, and the use of chemotherapy. EUS-GE is a promising technique but needs more studies with longer follow up before any firm conclusions can be drawn.

Palliative therapy in pancreatic cancer-interventional treatment with stents

Interventional treatment with stents in pancreatic cancer is a topic that developed during recent years and new fields of palliative stent therapy have evolved. The increasing life expectancy of patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer increases the need for clinical and cost effective therapeutic interventions. Current literature, guidelines, practice and evidence were reviewed. Besides the most obvious biliary stenting via endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), pancreatic and gastroduodenal stenting as well as percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTC) and the rapidly growing field of endosonographic stent implantation in the palliative care of patients with pancreatic cancer are being discussed from several points of view in this review.

Endoscopic Management of Combined Biliary and Duodenal Obstruction

Combined obstruction of the bile duct and duodenum is a common occurrence in periampullary malignancies. The obstruction of gastric outlet or duodenum can follow, occur simultaneously, or precede biliary obstruction. The prognosis in patients with combined obstruction is particularly poor. Therefore, minimally invasive palliation is preferred in these patients to avoid morbidity associated with surgery. Endoscopic palliation is preferred to surgical bypass due to similar efficacy, less morbidity, and shorter hospital stay. The success of endoscopic palliation depends on the type of bilioduodenal stenosis and the presence of previously placed duodenal metal stents. Biliary cannulation is difficult in type II bilioduodenal strictures where the duodenal stenosis is located at the level of the papilla. Consequentially, technical and clinical success is lower in these patients than in those with type I and III bilioduodenal strictures. However, in cases with failure of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, with the introduction of endoscopic ultrasound for biliary drainage, the success of endoscopic bilioduodenal bypass is likely to increase further. The safety and efficacy of endoscopic ultrasound-guided drainage has been documented in multiple studies. With the development of dedicated accessories and standardization of drainage techniques, the role of endoscopic ultrasound is likely to expand further in cases with double obstruction.