Comparison of the effectiveness and safety of lumen-apposing metal stents and anti-migrating tubular self-expandable metal stents for EUS-guided gallbladder drainage in high surgical risk patients with acute cholecystitis

US multicenter outcomes of endoscopic ultrasound-guided gallbladder drainage with lumen-apposing metal stents for acute cholecystitis

Background and study aims

EUS-guided gallbladder drainage (EUS-GBD) using lumen apposing metal stents (LAMS) has excellent technical and short-term clinical success for acute cholecystitis (AC). The goals of this study were to determine the long-term clinical outcomes and adverse events (AEs) of EUS-GBD with LAMS.

Patients and methods

A multicenter, retrospective study was conducted at 18 US tertiary care institutions. Inclusion criteria: any AC patient with attempted EUS-GBD with LAMS and minimum 30-day post-procedure follow-up. Long-term clinical success was defined as absence of recurrent acute cholecystitis (RAC) > 30 days and long-term AE was defined as occurring > 30 days from the index procedure.

Results

A total of 109 patients were included. Technical success was achieved in 108 of 109 (99.1%) and initial clinical success in 106 of 109 (97.2%). Long-term clinical success was achieved in 98 of 109 (89.9%) over a median follow-up of 140 days (range 30-1188). On multivariable analysis (MVA), acalculous cholecystitis (odds ratio [OR] 15.93, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.22-208.52, P = 0.04) and the occurrence of a LAMS-specific AE (OR 63.60, 95% CI 5.08-799.29, P <0.01) were associated with RAC. AEs occurred in 38 of 109 patients (34.9%) at any time, and in 10 of 109 (9.17%) > 30 days from the index procedure. Most long-term AEs (7 of 109; 6.42%) were LAMS-specific. No technical or clinical factors were associated with occurrence of AEs. LAMS were removed in 24 of 109 patients (22%). There was no difference in RAC or AEs whether LAMS was removed or not.

Conclusions

EUS-GBD with LAMS has a high rate of long-term clinical success and modest AE rates in patients with AC and is a reasonable destination therapy for high-risk surgical candidates.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided gallbladder drainage for acute cholecystitis

With technological advances in endoscopic ultrasonography, endoscopic ultrasound-guided gallbladder drainage (EUS-GBD) was introduced as a treatment option for acute cholecystitis. Recently, new studies have emerged, suggesting that EUS-GBD has a lower adverse event rate and reintervention rate, when compared to percutaneous drainage and endoscopic transpapillary gallbladder drainage. There is growing interest in the different technical aspects of EUS-GBD, such as the puncture approach, choice of stents, and long-term management. There are also cohorts on performing EUS-GBD in potential surgical candidates. This review article gathers the latest evidence on EUS-GBD, including its indications, procedural techniques, choice of equipment, outcomes, postprocedural care, and the controversial extended indications.

A review of endoscopic ultrasound-guided gallbladder drainage and gastroenterostomy: assisted approaches and comparison with alternative techniques

Over the last 40 years, the role of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) has evolved from being diagnostic to therapeutic. EUS-guided gallbladder drainage (EUS-GBD) and EUS-guided gastroenterostomy (EUS-GE) are emerging techniques in recent years; however, there are limited studies and inconsistent results regarding these techniques. In addition, EUS has become a more common alternative to traditional interventions due to its super minimally invasive nature, but the mobility of both the gallbladder and intestine makes it challenging to introduce stents. An increasing number of researchers are dedicating themselves to solving this problem, leading to the development of various assisted technologies. Consequently, this review focused on the comparison of EUS-GBD and EUS-GE with other alternative approaches and explored the various assisted techniques employed for EUS-GBD and EUS-GE.

Therapeutic Endoscopic Ultrasound and Endoscopic Ultrasound-Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography Interventions

Therapeutic endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) encompasses an array of procedures to manage pancreaticobiliary and luminal gastrointestinal disorders. Therapeutic EUS procedures include EUS-guided rendezvous of the pancreatic and biliary ducts, as well as direct drainage of the bile duct, pancreatic duct, and gallbladder, drainage of pancreatic fluid collections, and luminal anastomosis creation. These procedures have a range of required equipment, approaches, clinical outcomes, and adverse events dependent on both procedure-related and patient-related factors. In expert hands, these procedures provide patients with less invasive options and can achieve excellent clinical outcomes.

Indirect comparison of various lumen-apposing metal stents for EUS-guided biliary and gallbladder drainage: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Studies assessing EUS-guided biliary drainage (EUS-BD) or gallbladder drainage (EUS-GB) using lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMSs) have shown variable results based on the type of LAMS. We performed a meta-analysis of the available data.

METHODS

Multiple online databases were searched for studies using LAMSs (Axios [Boston Scientific, Marlborough, Mass, USA] or Spaxus [Taewoong Medical Co, Gimpo, Korea]) for EUS-BD and EUS-GB. The outcomes of interest were technical success, clinical success, and adverse events. Pooled proportions along with 95% confidence intervals were calculated.

RESULTS

A total of 18 observational studies were included: 11 for the Axios stent (433 patients; mean age, 72 years; 54% male) and 7 for the Spaxus stent (242 patients; mean age, 74 years; 50% male). The respective pooled outcomes for the Axios stent (EUS-BD and EUS-GB, respectively) were technical success, 96.2% and 96.2%; clinical success, 92.8% and 92.7%; total adverse events, 10.1% and 23.6%; and bleeding, 3.7% and 4.8%. The respective pooled outcomes for the Spaxus stent (EUS-BD and EUS-GB, respectively) were technical success, 93.8% and 95.9%; clinical success, 90.1% and 94.2%; total adverse events, 12.6% and 9.5%; and bleeding, 3.1% and 1.8%.

CONCLUSIONS

Axios and Spaxus stents demonstrate similar pooled technical and clinical success rates. Adverse events occurred in 23.6% of patients (Axios stent) and 9.5% of patients (Spaxus stent) during EUS-GB.

Revolutionizing outcomes: endoscopic ultrasound-guided gallbladder drainage using innovative electrocautery enhanced-lumen apposing metal stents for high-risk surgical patients

This study retrospectively evaluated the outcomes of endoscopic ultrasound-guided gallbladder drainage (EUS-GBD) using novel electrocautery-enhanced lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMS) in high-risk patients with acute cholecystitis (AC). Between January 1, 2021, and November 30, 2022, 58 high-risk surgical patients with AC underwent EUS-GBD with the novel electrocautery-enhanced LAMS. The technical success rate was 94.8% (55/58), with one case of duodenal perforation requiring surgery with complete stent migration and two of partial stent migration into the gallbladder. However, the clinical success rate was 100% (55/55). Recurrent AC occurred in 3.6% of the cases (2/55), managed with double pigtail plastic stents through the LAMS. Early AEs observed in 1.8% (1/55) due to stent obstruction. Late AEs occurred in 5.4% (3/55), including two cases of cholangitis and one of stent obstruction. For 33 patients followed over 6 months, LAMS maintenance was sustained in 30 cases. Two patients underwent double-pigtail plastic stent replacement after LAMS removal, and one underwent LAMS removal during surgery following tumor stage regression after chemotherapy for cholangiocarcinoma. The novel electrocautery-enhanced LAMS demonstrated high technical and clinical success rates in high-risk surgical patients with AC, maintaining effective gallbladder drainage with minimal AEs during long-term follow-up, thus highlighting its efficacy and safety in challenging patients.

Complications and management of interventional endoscopic ultrasound: A critical review

In the last decades, Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) has rapidly grown and evolved from being mainly a diagnostic procedure, to being an interventional and therapeutic tool in several pathological clinical scenarios. With the progressive growth in technical expertise and dedicated devices, interventional endoscopic ultrasound procedures (IEUSP) have shown high rates of technical and clinical success, together with a relatively safe profile. However, the description and the standardization of different and specific types of adverse events (AEs) are still scarce in literature, and, consequently, even less the management of AEs. The aim of this study is to critical review and to describe AEs related to each of the main IEUSP, and to provide an overview on the possible management strategies of endoscopic complications. Future studies and guidelines are surely required to reach a better standardization of different AEs and their best management.

Cholecystoenteric Stent-Related Complications: Rendering the Inoperable Patient Operable

INTRODUCTION

Cholecystoenteric stenting is an alternative treatment for cholecystitis. However, complications with this approach can render a need for surgical intervention.

METHODS

A case series of three patients undergoing surgery for a cholecystoenteric stent-related complication.

RESULTS

Patient 1 was a 42-year-old male with history of lung transplant who had a cholecystoenteric stent placed for acalculous cholecystitis. One year later the stent became occluded with return of symptoms. Endoscopic replacement failed. A laparoscopic cholecystectomy with modified Graham patch was performed. Patient 2 is a 73-year-old female with acalculous cholecystitis in the setting of metastatic colon cancer on FOLFOX. Antibiotic treatment failed. A cholecystoenteric stent was attempted, but the stent dislodged during deployment. The fistula tract was clipped, and a percutaneous cholecystostomy drain was placed, which noted a leak at the gallbladder infundibulum. The patient deteriorated clinically and was taken emergently for an open cholecystectomy. Patient 3 was a 71-year-old male with history of ischemic cardiomyopathy who had a cholecystogastric stent placed for necrotizing gallstone pancreatitis. The stent migrated into the gastrointestinal tract and he developed post-prandial pain. A cholecystectomy and modified Graham patch repair of the gastrotomy was performed. This failed as the gastrotomy was too close to the pylorus. He underwent re-operation with Heineke-Mikulicz pyloroplasty. All patients recovered without any cardiopulmonary complications.

CONCLUSION

With the increasing utility of cholecystoenteric stents, surgeons should be aware of the complications and have a plan for managing the duodenotomy or gastrotomy. Shared-medical decision-making involving surgeons should be applied when placing these stents.

Clinical application and follow-up of electrocautery-enhanced lumen-apposing metal stents for endoscopic ultrasonography-guided interventions

Aim: The lumen-apposing metal stent (LAMS) is a new device that expands the scope of gastrointestinal intervention under endoscopy. LAMS was initially used for the treatment of pancreatic fluid collections (PFCs), but is increasingly being used off-label. The electrocautery system simplifies the deployment of LAMS, making it more suitable for off-label situations. The short-term results of electrocautery-enhanced lumen-apposing metal stents (ECE-LAMS) are satisfactory; however, the long-term follow-up results must be evaluated. The aim of this article is to review the expanded clinical application of ECE-LAMS, the clinical value of on-label and off-label use, and follow-up results.Methods: After searching in PubMed and Web of Science databases using 'electrocautery-enhanced lumen-apposing metal stents' and 'endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) -guided interventions' as keywords, studies related were compiled and examined.Results: ECE-LAMS are widely used for on-label and off-label situations. The short-term and long-term results of ECE-LAMS are satisfactory, but there are still some studies that do not agree with this viewpoint.Conclusion: The clinical application of ECE-LAMS is relatively safe and reliable but more well-designed randomized trials and prospective studies are needed to evaluate the impact of this technology on therapeutic EUS, to improve the safety and success rate of EUS-guided LAMS implantation, and to expand its application in other indications.

Endoscopy Ultrasound-Guided Biliary Drainage Using Lumen Apposing Metal Stent in Malignant Biliary Obstruction

This narrative review provides an overview of the application of endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage (EUS-BD), including EUS-guided gallbladder drainage (EUS-GBD), for the treatment of malignant biliary obstruction. EUS-BD has demonstrated excellent technical and clinical success rates, with lower rates of adverse events when compared with percutaneous trans-hepatic biliary drainage (PTBD). EUS-BD is currently the preferred alternative technique for biliary drainage (BD) in patients with distal malignant biliary obstruction (DMBO) after failed endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Particularly, this review will focus on EUS-BD performed with the use of lumen apposing metal stent (LAMS). The introduction of these innovative devices, followed by the advent of electrocautery-enhanced LAMS (EC-LAMS), gave the procedure a great technical implementation and a widespread application.

Early Management of Severe Biliary Infection in the Era of the Tokyo Guidelines

Sepsis of biliary origin is increasing worldwide and has become one of the leading causes of emergency department admissions. The presence of multi-resistant bacteria (MRB) is increasing, and mortality rates may reach 20%. This review focuses on the changes induced by the Tokyo guidelines and new concepts related to the early treatment of severe biliary disease. If cholecystitis or cholangitis is suspected, ultrasound is the imaging test of choice. Appropriate empirical antibiotic treatment should be initiated promptly, and selection should be performed while bearing in mind the severity and risk factors for MRB. In acute cholecystitis, laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the main therapeutic intervention. In patients not suitable for surgery, percutaneous cholecystostomy is a valid alternative for controlling the infection. Treatment of severe acute cholangitis is based on endoscopic or transhepatic bile duct drainage and antibiotic therapy. Endoscopic ultrasound and other new endoscopic techniques have been added to the arsenal as novel alternatives in high-risk patients. However, biliary infections remain serious conditions that can lead to sepsis and death. The introduction of internationally accepted guidelines, based on clinical presentation, laboratory tests, and imaging, provides a framework for their rapid diagnosis and treatment. Prompt assessment of patient severity, timely initiation of antimicrobials, and early control of the source of infection are essential to reduce morbidity and mortality rates.

Lumen-apposing-metal stent misdeployment in endoscopic ultrasound-guided drainages: A systematic review focusing on issues and rescue management

BACKGROUND

The introduction of lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMS) for endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided drainages has marked a turning point in the field of interventional ultrasound and it is gathering worldwide diffusion in different clinical settings. Nevertheless, the procedure may conceal unexpected pitfalls. LAMS misdeployment is the most frequent cause of technical failure and it can be considered a procedure-related adverse event when it hampers the conclusion of the planned procedure or results in significant clinical consequences. Stent misdeployment can be managed successfully by endoscopic rescue maneuvers to allow the completion of the procedure. To date, no standardized indication is available to guide an appropriate rescue strategy depending on the type of procedure or of misdeployment.

AIM

To evaluate the incidence of LAMS misdeployment during EUS-guided choledochoduodenostomy (EUS-CDS), gallbladder drainage (EUS-GBD) and pancreatic fluid collections drainage (EUS-PFC) and to describe the endoscopic rescue strategies adopted under the circumstance.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review of the literature on PubMed by searching for studies published up to October 2022. The search was carried out using the exploded medical subject heading terms “lumen apposing metal stent”, “LAMS”, “endoscopic ultrasound” and “choledochoduodenostomy” or “gallbladder” or “pancreatic fluid collections”. We included in the review on-label EUS-guided procedures namely EUS-CDS, EUS-GBD and EUS-PFC. Only those publications reporting EUS-guided LAMS positioning were considered. The studies reporting a technical success rate of 100% and other procedure-related adverse events were considered to calculate the overall rate of LAMS misdeployment, while studies not reporting the causes of technical failure were excluded. Case reports were considered only for the extraction of data regarding the issues of misdeployment and rescue techniques. The following data were collected from each study: Author, year of publication, study design, study population, clinical indication, technical success, reported number of misdeployment, stent type and size, flange misdeployed and type of rescue strategy.

RESULTS

The overall technical success rate of EUS-CDS, EUS-GBD and EUS-PFC was 93.7%, 96.1%, and 98.1% respectively. Significant rates of LAMS misdeployment have been reported for EUS-CDS, EUS-GBD and EUS-PFC drainage, respectively 5.8%, 3.4%, and 2.0%. Endoscopic rescue treatment was feasible in 86.8%, 80%, and 96.8% of cases. Non endoscopic rescue strategies were required only in 10.3%, 16% and 3.2% for EUS-CDS, EUS-GBD, and EUS-PFC. The endoscopic rescue techniques described were over-the-wire deployment of a new stent through the created fistula tract in 44.1%, 8% and 64.5% and stent-in-stent in 23.5%, 60%, and 12.9%, respectively for EUS-CDS, EUS-GBD, and EUS-PFC. Further therapeutic option were endoscopic rendezvous in 11.8% of EUS-CDS and repeated procedure of EUS-guided drainage in 16.1% of EUS-PFC.

CONCLUSION

LAMS misdeployment is a relatively common adverse event in EUS-guided drainages. There is no consensus on the best rescue approach in these cases and the choice is often made by the endoscopist relying upon the clinical scenario, anatomical characteristics, and local expertise. In this review, we investigated the misdeployment of LAMS for each of the on-label indications focusing on the rescue therapies used, with the aim of providing useful data for endoscopists and to improve patient outcomes.

Long-term outcomes of endoscopic ultrasound-guided gallbladder drainage versus in situ or ex situ percutaneous gallbladder drainage in real-world practice

OBJECTIVES

Many studies showed better outcomes of endoscopic ultrasound-guided gallbladder drainage (EUS-GBD) when compared with percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage (P-GBD) in which most tubes were left in situ. However, no studies have directly compared EUS-GBD with P-GBD after tube removal (ex situ). We compared the long-term outcomes of EUS-GBD and ex situ or in situ P-GBD in high surgical risk patients with acute cholecystitis.

METHODS

We reviewed the records of 182 patients (EUS-GBD, n = 75; P-GBD, n = 107) who underwent gallbladder drainage. The procedural outcomes, long-term outcomes, and adverse events were compared.

RESULTS

The EUS-GBD group and the P-GBD group had similar rates of technical and clinical success. Early adverse events were less common in the EUS-GBD group (5.5% vs. 18.9%, P = 0.010). The long-term outcomes were evaluated in 168 patients (EUS-GBD, n = 67; P-GBD ex situ, n = 84; P-GBD in situ, n = 17). The rate of cholecystitis recurrence in the EUS-GBD group (6.0%) was similar to that in the P-GBD ex situ group (9.6%, P = 0.422), but significantly lower than that in the P-GBD in situ group (23.5%, P = 0.049). P-GBD in situ was a significant predictor of recurrent cholecystitis (hazard ratio 14.6; 95% confidence interval 2.9-72.8).

CONCLUSION

The long-term recurrence rate of acute cholecystitis in patients who underwent EUS-GBD was comparable to that in patients whose P-GBD could be removed. However, patients in whom P-GBD could not be removed showed higher rates of recurrent cholecystitis than patients with EUS-GBD.

Endoscopic ultrasound in the management of acute cholecystitis

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided gallbladder drainage (EUS-GBD) is increasingly utilised for patients with acute cholecystitis who are high-risk candidates for surgery. The technique to perform EUS-GBD has evolved and matured over the last two decades since EUS-GBD was first described in 2007 using a nasobiliary catheter. Compared to percutaneous gallbladder drainage (PT-GBD), EUS-GBD offers benefits of shorter hospitalisation stay and lesser procedural pain and need for reintervention. The purpose of this review is to provide an updated review of the equipment and techniques available for EUS-GBD, outcomes of the procedure and how it compares against endoscopic transpapillary drainage (ET-GBD), PT-GBD and laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Controversies surrounding the procedure will also be discussed.

Determinants of outcomes of transmural EUS-guided gallbladder drainage: systematic review with proportion meta-analysis and meta-regression

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Transmural EUS-guided gallbladder drainage (EUS-GBD) has been increasingly used in the treatment of gallbladder diseases. Aims of the study were to provide a comprehensive meta-analysis and meta-regression of features and outcomes of this procedure.

METHODS

MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of science, and Cochrane databases were searched for literature pertinent to transmural EUS-GBD up to May 2021. Random-effect meta-analysis of proportions and meta-regression of potential modifiers of outcome measures considered were applied. Outcome measures were technical success rate, overall clinical success, and procedure-related adverse events (AEs).

RESULTS

Twenty-seven articles were identified including 1004 patients enrolled between February 2009 and February 2020. Acute cholecystitis was present in 98.7% of cases. Pooled technical success was 98.0% (95% CI 96.3, 99.3; heterogeneity: 23.6%), the overall clinical success was 95.4% (95% CI 92.8, 97.5; heterogeneity: 35.3%), and procedure-related AEs occurred in 14.8% (95% CI 8.8, 21.8; heterogeneity: 82.4%), being stent malfunction/dislodgement the most frequent (3.5%). Procedural-related mortality was 1‰. Meta-regression showed that center experience proxied to > 10 cases/year increased the technical success rate (odds ratio [OR]: 2.84; 95% CI 1.06, 7.59) and the overall clinical success (OR: 3.52; 95% CI 1.33, 9.33). The use of anti-migrating devices also increased the overall clinical success (OR: 2.16; 95% CI 1.07, 4.36) while reducing procedure-related AEs (OR: 0.36; 95% CI 0.14, 0.98).

CONCLUSION

Physicians' experience and anti-migrating devices are the main determinants of main clinical outcomes after EUS-GBD, suggesting that treatment in expert centers would optimize results.

Soehendra stent retriever as a useful delivery device of drainage stent for passing an impacted cystic duct stone in a patient with acute cholecystitis

Endoscopic transpapillary gallbladder drainage is an alternative procedure for patients with acute cholecystitis. However, this procedure is technically challenging because the drainage stent is sometimes obstructed by an impacted cystic duct stone, even if the guidewire is advanced into the gallbladder. In this report, the front end of a standard endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography catheter was cut to an appropriate length as a drainage stent for transpapillary gallbladder drainage. However, this modified stent became stuck because of an impacted cystic duct stone. The Soehendra stent retriever was used as a stent delivery device in this setting. A Soehendra stent retriever with clockwise rotation was coupled with the drainage stent. Integrated devices provide a stent tip for pushability and torqueability. The stuck drainage stent at the impacted cystic duct stone resumed advancement into the gallbladder. After stent indwelling, decoupling was easy under counterclockwise rotation of the Soehendra stent retriever.

Therapeutic endoscopic ultrasound: European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) Technical Review

1:  ESGE recommends a prolonged course of a prophylactic broad-spectrum antibiotic in patients with ascites who are undergoing therapeutic endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) procedures.Strong recommendation, low quality evidence. 2:  ESGE recommends placement of partially or fully covered self-expandable metal stents during EUS-guided hepaticogastrostomy for biliary drainage in malignant disease.Strong recommendation, moderate quality evidence. 3:  ESGE recommends EUS-guided pancreatic duct (PD) drainage should only be performed in high volume expert centers, owing to the complexity of this technique and the high risk of adverse events.Strong recommendation, low quality evidence. 4:  ESGE recommends a stepwise approach to EUS-guided PD drainage in patients with favorable anatomy, starting with rendezvous-assisted endoscopic retrograde pancreatography (RV-ERP), followed by antegrade or transmural drainage only when RV-ERP fails or is not feasible.Strong recommendation, low quality evidence. 5:  ESGE suggests performing transduodenal EUS-guided gallbladder drainage with a lumen-apposing metal stent (LAMS), rather than using the transgastric route, as this may reduce the risk of stent dysfunction.Weak recommendation, low quality evidence. 6:  ESGE recommends using saline instillation for small-bowel distension during EUS-guided gastroenterostomy.Strong recommendation, low quality evidence. 7:  ESGE recommends the use of saline instillation with a 19G needle and an electrocautery-enhanced LAMS for EUS-directed transgastric endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (EDGE) procedures.Strong recommendation, low quality evidence. 8:  ESGE recommends the use of either 15- or 20-mm LAMSs for EDGE, with a preference for 20-mm LAMSs when considering a same-session ERCP.Strong recommendation, low quality evidence.

Current status of endoscopic management of cholecystitis

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy remains the standard treatment for acute cholecystitis (AC) although it is always not suitable for patients who are poor candidates for surgery. Recently, endoscopic gallbladder (GB) drainage was found to be a potentially revolutionary alternative for cholecystectomy for the control of symptoms, definitive treatment, or bridging therapy until surgery is possible. Two endoscopic methods have been established using either the trans-mural or trans-papillary drainage approach. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided GB drainage (EUS-GBD; trans-mural approach) is a novel technique that allows stent placement between the GB and duodenum or stomach via fistula track, effectively enabling GB drainage. For endoscopic trans-papillary GB drainage (ETGBD; trans-papillary approach), attempts of selective cannulation to the cystic duct should be made to place the stent in the same manner as an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. In comparison, EUS-GBD has higher clinical success and lower recurrence rates than ETGBD due to the use of larger-caliber stents, which allow for effective drainage when performed by skilled practitioners at high-volume centers. Advantages of ETGBD over EUS-GBD include more affordable costs and physiologic drainage, which preserves naive anatomy for possible future cholecystectomy. Although the field of endoscopic treatment for AC is rapidly advancing, important questions regarding which method improves clinical outcomes and safety more effectively remain unaddressed. Herein, the current status of endoscopic treatment for AC, including a technical review on clinical outcomes, adverse events, and advantages and disadvantages of each technique are reviewed, as well as other future prospects.

Endoscopic gallbladder drainage for acute cholecystitis with high-risk surgical patients between transduodenal and transpapillary stenting

Background and Objectives:

EUS-guided gallbladder drainage (GBD) has emerged as an alternative GBD technique, particularly for high-risk surgical patients. To prevent stent migration or to facilitate stent deployment, the lumen-apposing metal stent (LAMS) was recently developed for EUS-GBD. However, LAMS remains unavailable in several countries and is expensive compared with conventional fully covered self-expandable metal stent (FCSEMS). Although several studies have shown the clinical benefits of EUS-GBD using novel FCSEMS or LAMS compared with endoscopic transpapillary GBD (ETGBD), the choice between ETGBD and EUS-GBD using conventional FCSEMS and ETGBD remains controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate EUS-GBD using conventional FCSEMS compared with ETGBD.

Materials and Methods:

This comparative retrospective study included consecutive symptomatic AC patients who underwent gallbladder drainage by either EUS-GBD or ETGBD between January 2015 and December 2018. The main outcome measures were technical success, clinical success, procedure-related and stent-related adverse events, and recurrence of AC during follow-up.

Results:

Fifty-four patients (44.4% female, 55.6% male) who underwent EUS-GBD (n = 25) or ETGBD (n = 29) were enrolled. Initial technical success rates were 100% with EUS-GBD and 82.7% (24/29) with ETGBD. The median procedure time was significantly shorter for the EUS-GBD group than for the ETGBD group (11.0 vs. 24.0 min, P < 0.05). Procedure-related adverse events did not differ significantly between groups (P = 0.283). During follow-up (median 522 days, range 43 – 1892 days), recurrent acute cholecystitis (AC) was only observed in 4 patients from the ETGBD group. Overall survival did not differ significantly between the EUS-GBD group (mean 1070 days) and ETGBD group (mean 1470 days) (P = 0.292).

Conclusion:

The technical success rate for EUS-GBD using FCSEMS with plastic stent insertion was significantly higher with a shorter procedure time and resulted in a lower rate of recurrent AC.

Long-Term Outcomes of Endoscopic Gallbladder Drainage for Cholecystitis in Poor Surgical Candidates: An Updated Comprehensive Review

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the standard and fundamental treatment of choice for acute cholecystitis; however, there are cases in which patients may be poor surgical candidates due to advanced age, comorbidities, and/or general condition. The rate of recurrent cholecystitis is high in patients who are not surgically treated; therefore, the prevention of recurrence in this patient population is an important subject of investigation in the management of cholecystitis. Although it has recently been reported that long-term stent placement by endoscopic gallbladder stenting or endoscopic ultrasound-guided gallbladder drainage may reduce the recurrence rate, its efficacy and safety remain controversial. Additionally, details surrounding the long-term stent management of these treatment methods should be further investigated. In this review, we summarize the updated evidence regarding the usefulness of long-term stent placement with endoscopic gallbladder stenting or endoscopic ultrasound-guided gallbladder drainage as a preventive measure for recurrence of cholecystitis and discuss issues that should be addressed in future studies.

Efficacy and safety of conversion of percutaneous cholecystostomy to endoscopic transpapillary gallbladder stenting in high-risk surgical patients

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic transpapillary gallbladder stenting (ETGBS) has been used as an alternative to percutaneous cholecystostomy in patients with acute cholecystitis who are considered unfit for surgery. However, there are few data on the efficacy and safety of ETGBS replacement of percutaneous cholecystostomy in high-risk surgical patients. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of ETGBS to replace percutaneous cholecystostomy in high-risk surgical patients.

METHODS

This single center retrospective study reviewed the data of patients who attempted ETGBS to replace percutaneous cholecystostomy between January 2017 and September 2019. The technical success, clinical success, adverse events, and stent patency were evaluated.

RESULTS

ETGBS was performed in 43 patients (24 male, mean age 80.7 ± 7.4 years) to replace percutaneous cholecystostomy due to high surgical risk. The technical success rate and clinical success rate were 97.7% (42/43) and 90.5% (38/42), respectively. Procedure-related adverse events and stent-related late adverse events occurred in 7.0% (3/43) and 11.6% (5/43), respectively. Of the patients who successfully underwent ETGBS (n = 42), only one had recurrent acute cholecystitis during follow-up. The median stent patency was 415 days (interquartile range 240-528 days).

CONCLUSIONS

ETGBS, as a secondary intervention for the purpose of internalizing gallbladder drainage in patients following placement of a percutaneous cholecystostomy, is safe, effective, and technically feasible. Thus, conversion of percutaneous cholecystostomy to ETGBS may be considered as a viable option in high-risk surgical patients.

Endoscopic therapies for gallbladder drainage

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Endoscopic management of acute cholecystitis has expanded in patients who are considered nonoperative candidates. Traditionally managed with percutaneous cholecystostomy (PC), improvement in techniques and devices has led to increased use of endoscopic methods for gallbladder drainage. This document reviews technical aspects of endoscopic transpapillary gallbladder drainage (ET-GBD) and EUS-guided GBD (EUS-GBD) as well as their respective technical/clinical success and adverse event rates. Available comparative data are also reviewed among nonsurgical gallbladder drainage techniques (PC, ET-GBD, and EUS-GBD).

METHODS

The MEDLINE database was searched through March 2021 for relevant articles by using keywords including "acute cholecystitis," "interventional EUS," "percutaneous cholecystostomy," "transpapillary gallbladder drainage," "EUS-guided gallbladder drainage," "lumen-apposing metal stent," "gallbladder stenting," and "endoscopic gallbladder drainage." The manuscript was drafted by 2 authors and reviewed by members of the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Technology Committee and subsequently by the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Governing Board.

RESULTS

Multiple studies have demonstrated acceptable outcomes comparing PC and both endoscopic gallbladder drainage techniques, ET-GBD and EUS-GBD. Published data suggest that endoscopic gallbladder drainage techniques may be associated with lower rates of adverse events and improved quality of life. However, there are important clinical considerations for choosing among these treatment options, requiring a multidisciplinary and collaborative approach to therapeutic decision-making in these patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The implementation of EUS-GBD and ET-GBD in high-risk surgical patients with acute cholecystitis may result in favorable outcomes when compared with PC. Further improvements in techniques and training should lead to more widespread acceptance and dissemination of these treatment options.

GIE Editorial Board top 10 topics: advances in GI endoscopy in 2020

The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy's Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Editorial Board reviewed a systematic literature search of original endoscopy-related articles published during 2020 in Gastrointestinal Endoscopy and 10 other high-impact medical and gastroenterology journals. Votes from each individual board member were tallied to identify a consensus list of the 10 most significant topic areas in GI endoscopy over the calendar year of study using 4 criteria: significance, novelty, impact on national health, and impact on global health. The 10 areas identified were as follows: artificial intelligence in endoscopy, coronavirus disease 2019 and GI practice, third-space endoscopy, lumen-apposing metal stents, single-use duodenoscopes and other disposable equipment, endosonographic needle technology and techniques, endoscopic closure devices, advances in GI bleeding management, improvements in polypectomy techniques, and bariatric endoscopy. Each board member contributed a summary of important articles relevant to 1 to 2 topic areas, leading to a collective summary that is presented in this document of the "top 10" endoscopic advances of 2020.

Novel Uses of Lumen-apposing Metal Stents: A Review of the Literature

The field of therapeutic endoscopy has seen many recent advancements. One such emerging field is the use of lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMS). Although a few LAMS have been developed, the most commonly reviewed and the only Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved LAMS is the Axios stent by Boston Scientific. In 2013, LAMS were initially approved by the FDA for the management of pancreatic fluid collection drainage in the presence walled-off necrosis. Pancreatic fluid collections are traditionally drained with either a plastic stent or a covered biliary self-expanding metal stent. Plastic stents have a double pigtail feature which prevents stent migration. However, their narrow lumen poses limitations as it can lead to early stent occlusion. Fully covered metal stents have larger diameters, allowing improved drainage and decreased stent occlusion but their tubular shape is prone to migration. Consequently, this results in leakage, and frequent retrievals. Over the years, due to their versatility, LAMS now have many off label uses. This includes management of gastric outlet obstruction, superior mesenteric artery syndrome, strictures, gallbladder drainage, and postsurgical collection drainage. In this review, we will be discussing the FDA approved and the nonapproved uses of LAMS.

Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Gallbladder Drainage

The mainstay of management of acute cholecystitis is surgical. Despite the advances in anesthesia and laparoscopic surgery, there is a significant pool of patients that are not candidates for surgery given their significant comorbidities and limited functional reserve. Historically percutaneous gallbladder drainage has been utilized to temporize these patients. Recently, endoscopic approaches are being explored with transpapillary and transmural drainage. In this article, we discuss the background, current status, technical challenges, adverse events, and outcomes of endoscopic ultrasound-guided gallbladder drainage for management of acute cholecystitis.

Antireflux metal stent for biliary obstruction: Any benefits?

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with stent placement has been utilized as standard palliative management of distal malignant biliary obstruction (MBO). Compared to plastic stents, metal stents can provide longer-term relief of symptoms. When a large-bore metal stent is placed across the ampulla, patients are predisposed to the risk of cholangitis or stent dysfunction due to reflux of duodenal contents. To mitigate the risk of adverse events associated with the duodenobiliary reflux, efforts have been directed to development of antireflux metal stents (ARMSs). The antireflux property has been introduced through adding of an antireflux valve to the duodenal stent end. Evidence from clinical studies indicates that ARMSs may not only reduce the risk of ascending cholangitis during follow-up but also prolong stent patency time. However, the results of clinical studies testing ARMSs are inconsistent owing to heterogeneous designs of antireflux valves and stent bodies. Metal stents are increasingly indicated for benign biliary strictures and MBO in the setting of neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and therefore, research is warranted to evaluate ARMSs for those indications. Given that endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided transmural biliary drainage has gained popularity, the optimal timing of placing an ARMS in relation to EUS-guided and percutaneous drainage should be investigated. Development and evaluation of ARMSs require an integrative approach utilizing phantom and animal models, measurements of stent mechanical properties, and in vivo functional study after stent placement. In this review article, we summarize updated evidence on ARMSs for MBO and discuss issues that should be addressed in future studies.

Which Are the Most Suitable Stents for Interventional Endoscopic Ultrasound?

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided interventions provide easy access to structures adjacent to the gastrointestinal tract, effectively targeting them for therapeutic purposes. They play an important role in the management of pancreatic fluid collections (PFC) and bile duct (BD) and pancreatic duct (PD) drainage in cases of failed endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) or gallbladder (GB) drainage. Specially designed stents and delivery systems for EUS-guided transluminal interventions allow various new applications and improve the efficacy and safety of these procedures. In fact, EUS-guided drainage has emerged as the treatment of choice for the management of PFC, and recent innovations such as fully covered metal stents (including lumen-apposing metal stents) have improved outcomes in patients with walled-off necrosis. Similarly, EUS-guided BD and PD drainage with specially designed stents can be beneficial for patients with failed ERCP due to an inaccessible papilla, gastric outlet obstruction, or surgically altered anatomy. EUS-guided GB drainage is also performed using dedicated stents in patients with acute cholecystitis who are not fit for surgery. Although the field of dedicated stents for interventional EUS is rapidly advancing with increasing innovations, the debate on the most appropriate stent for EUS-guided drainage has resurfaced. Furthermore, some important questions remain unaddressed, such as which stent improves clinical outcomes and safety in EUS-guided drainage. Herein, the current status and problems of the available stents are reviewed, including the applicable indications, long-term clinical outcomes, comparison between each stent, and their future prospects.

Efficacy and safety of endoscopic laser lithotripsy and lithotomy through the lumen-apposing metal stent for giant gallbladder stones

Background and Aims

EUS-guided gallbladder drainage has been increasingly applied for acute cholecystitis in high-risk surgical patients. In cases of EUS-guided gallbladder drainage with lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMSs), endoscopic retrieval of gallstones becomes feasible. However, retrieval of giant gallstones is still difficult because of the limited space in the saddle section of the LAMS. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of endoscopic laser lithotripsy and lithotomy through LAMSs for the removal of giant gallstones.

Methods

Five consecutive patients with recurrent cholecystitis due to giant gallstones were enrolled. We proceeded with EUS-guided LAMS implantation. Endoscopic laser lithotripsy and lithotomy then was performed through the LAMSs, and the stents were removed after all stones were extracted. The patients were followed up at scheduled times.

Results

EUS-guided LAMS implantation was successfully performed, and target gallstones were completely removed in all 5 patients. There was no severe bleeding, perforation, or stent migration during the operation. No recurrence of gallstones was found at late follow-up.

Conclusions

Endoscopic laser lithotripsy and lithotomy through LAMSs could be a safe and effective approach for removal of giant gallstones.