EUS-guided gastroenterostomy versus duodenal self-expandable metal stent for malignant gastric outlet obstruction: results from a nationwide multicenter retrospective study (with video)

Systematic review of long-term effectiveness of endoscopic gastrojejunostomy in patients presenting with gastric outlet obstruction from periampullary malignancies

BACKGROUND

Recently, endoscopic ultrasound-guided (EUS) gastrojejunostomy (GJ) has emerged as an alternative option to surgical palliation and endoscopic duodenal stenting for malignant gastric outlet obstruction (GOO). Although early success rates are commonly reported with the technique, there is a paucity of data regarding the long-term efficacy of this approach. In this study, we investigated long-term outcomes in patients that underwent EUS-guided GJ for palliation of periampullary malignancies.

METHODS

From a total of 192 studies that were reviewed, 6 studies with a follow-up time frame of a minimum of 5 months were analyzed, totaling 238 patients. Outcome variables included technical success rate, clinical success rate, adverse events, symptom recurrence, and re-intervention rates.

RESULTS

The cohort of 238 patients had a technical success rate of 93.7% and a clinical success rate of 92.9%. A total of 25 patients (10.5%) experienced adverse events associated with EUS-GJ. A total of 14 patients (5.9%) experienced recurrence of GOO symptoms within 5 months. A total of 14 patients (5.9%) underwent re-intervention with the first 5 months.

CONCLUSIONS

This systematic review shows that data are scarce regarding long-term effectiveness of EUS-guided GJ. Even though early success rates have been reported, further studies are needed to focus on long-term efficacy of this approach. Until such studies become available, surgical palliation should continue to be the treatment of choice for patients with malignant GOO with a prolonged life expectancy.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided gastroenterostomy versus enteral stenting for gastric outlet obstruction: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

The symptoms of gastric outlet obstruction have traditionally been managed surgically or endoscopically. Enteral stenting (ES) is a less invasive endoscopic treatment strategy for this condition. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided gastroenterostomy (EUS-GE) has recently become a potential alternative technique.

Objectives

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the effectiveness and safety profile of EUS-GE compared with ES.

Design

Meta-analysis and systematic review.

Data sources and methods

We searched multiple databases from inception to August 2023 to identify studies that reported the effectiveness and safety of EUS-GE compared with ES. The outcomes of technical success, clinical success, and adverse events (AEs) were evaluated. Pooled proportions were calculated using both fixed and random effects models.

Results

We included 13 studies with 1762 patients in our final analysis. The pooled rates of technical success for EUS-GE were 95.59% [95% confidence interval (CI), 94.01-97.44, I 2 = 32] and 97.96% (95% CI, 96.06-99.25, I 2 = 63) for ES. The pooled rate of clinical success for EUS-GE was 93.62% (95% CI, 90.76-95.98, I 2 = 54) while for ES it was lower at 85.57% (95% CI, 79.63-90.63, I 2 = 81). The pooled odds ratio (OR) of clinical success was higher for EUS-GE compared to ES at 2.71 (95% CI, 1.87-3.93). The pooled OR of clinical success for EUS-GE was higher compared to ES at 2.72 (95% CI, 1.86-3.97, I 2 = 0). The pooled rates of re-intervention for EUS-GE were lower at 3.77% (95% CI, 1.77-6.46, I 2 = 44) compared with ES, which was 25.13% (95% CI, 18.96-31.85, I 2 = 69). The pooled OR of the rate of re-intervention in the ES group was higher at 7.96 (95% CI, 4.41-14.38, I 2 = 13). Overall, the pooled rate for AEs for EUS-GE was 8.97% (95% CI, 6.88-11.30, I 2 = 15), whereas that for ES was 19.63% (95% CI, 11.75-28.94, I 2 = 89).

Conclusion

EUS-GE and ES are comparable in terms of their technical effectiveness. However, EUS-GE has demonstrated improved clinical effectiveness, a lower need for re-intervention, and a better safety profile compared to ES for palliation of gastric outlet obstruction.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided gastroenterostomy for gastric outlet obstruction in Mexico

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided gastroenterostomy (EUS-GE) has recently emer-ged as an alternative treatment for gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) in selected patients.

AIM

To report the initial experience of EUS-GE in patients with GOO.

METHODS

This study was a retrospective, observational, multicenter study in which the data from 10 patients who underwent EUS-GE due to GOO between September 2021 and May 2023 were collected. We analyzed technical success, clinical success, adverse events, and survival. Technical success was defined as adequate position-ing and deployment of the stent. Clinical success was defined as the patient’s ability to tolerate oral intake without vomiting 7 d after the procedure. Post-procedural adverse events were recorded.

RESULTS

Eleven procedures in 10 patients with GOO were included. The mean age of the patients was 67.5 years (range: 56-77 years). Malignant GOO was present in 9 patients. Technical success was achieved in 9/11 procedures (82%). Among them, clinical success was achieved in 9 patients (100%). Adverse events occurred in 1 patient (9%). The median survival was 3 months (n = 7; range: 1-8 months).

CONCLUSION

EUS-GE is a feasible therapeutic option in the treatment of GOO.

Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Gastroenterostomy versus Enteral Stenting for Malignant Gastric Outlet Obstruction: A Retrospective Propensity Score-Matched Study

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided gastroenterostomy (EUS-GE) using lumen apposing metal stent has emerged as a minimally invasive treatment for the management of malignant gastric outlet obstruction (mGOO). We aimed to compare EUS-GE with enteral stenting (ES) for the treatment of mGOO.

METHODS

Patients who underwent EUS-GE or ES for mGOO between June 2017 and June 2023 at two Italian centers were retrospectively identified. The primary outcome was stent dysfunction. Secondary outcomes included technical success, clinical failure, safety, and hospital length of stay. A propensity score-matching analysis was performed using multiple covariates.

RESULTS

Overall, 198 patients were included (66 EUS-GE and 132 ES). The stent dysfunction rate was 3.1% and 16.9% following EUS-GE and ES, respectively (p = 0.004). Using propensity score-matching, 45 patients were allocated to each group. The technical success rate was 100% for both groups. Stent dysfunction was higher in the ES group compared with the EUS-GE group (20% versus 4.4%, respectively; p = 0.022) without differences in clinical efficacy (p = 0.266) and safety (p = 0.085). A significantly shorter hospital stay was associated with EUS-GE compared with ES (7.5 ± 4.9 days vs. 12.5 ± 13.0 days, respectively; p = 0.018). Kaplan-Meier analyses confirmed a higher stent dysfunction-free survival rate after EUS-GE compared with ES (log-rank test; p = 0.05).

CONCLUSION

EUS-GE offers lower rates of stent dysfunction, longer stent patency, and shorter hospital stay compared with ES.

Therapeutic Endoscopic Ultrasound for Complications of Pancreatic Cancer

Progression of pancreatic adenocarcinoma can result in disease complications such as biliary obstruction and gastric outlet obstruction. The recent advances in endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) have transformed EUS from a purely diagnostic technology to a therapeutic modality, particularly with the development of lumen-apposing metal stents. In terms of biliary drainage, EUS-guided choledochoduodenostomy and EUS-guided hepaticogastrostomy offer safe and effective techniques when conventional transpapillary stent placement via ERCP fails or is not possible. If these modalities are not feasible, EUS-guided gallbladder drainage offers yet another salvage technique when the cystic duct is non-involved by the cancer. Lastly, EUS-guided gastroenterostomy allows for an effective bypass treatment for cases of gastric outlet obstruction that enables patients to resume eating within several days. Future randomized studies comparing these techniques to current standard-of-care options are warranted to firmly establish therapeutic EUS procedures within the treatment algorithm for this challenging disease.

The 2022 top 10 list of endoscopy topics in medical publishing: an annual review by the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Editorial Board

Using a systematic literature search of original articles published during 2022 in Gastrointestinal Endoscopy and other high-impact medical and gastroenterology journals, the 10-member Editorial Board of the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy composed a list of the 10 most significant topic areas in GI endoscopy during the study year. Each Editorial Board member was directed to consider 3 criteria in generating candidate lists-significance, novelty, and global impact on clinical practice-and subject matter consensus was facilitated by the Chair through electronic voting. The 10 identified areas collectively represent advances in the following endoscopic spheres: artificial intelligence, endoscopic submucosal dissection, Barrett's esophagus, interventional EUS, endoscopic resection techniques, pancreaticobiliary endoscopy, management of acute pancreatitis, endoscopic environmental sustainability, the NordICC trial, and spiral enteroscopy. Each board member was assigned a consensus topic area around which to summarize relevant important articles, thereby generating this précis of the "top 10" endoscopic advances of 2022.

EUS-guided gastroenterostomy for gastric outlet obstruction: a comprehensive meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

A comprehensive meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of endoscopic ultrasound-guided gastroenterostomy (EUS-GE) for benign and malignant gastric outlet obstruction (GOO).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane Library were searched to identify relevant studies. The primary outcomes evaluated technical success, clinical success, and adverse events (AEs).

RESULTS

Twenty‑six studies with 1493 patients were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled rates of technical success, clinical success, and overall AEs of EUS-GE were 94.0%, 89.9%, and 13.1%, respectively. Eight studies were included in the subgroup meta-analysis for comparative evaluation of EUS-GE and surgical gastroenterostomy (SGE), while seven studies were for EUS-GE and enteral stenting (ES). Compared with SGE, the pooled odds ratios (ORs) of technical success, clinical success, and overall AEs of EUS-GE were 0.17 (p = .003), 1.42 (p = .40), and 0.15 (p < .00001), respectively. When compared with ES, the above corresponding pooled ORs were 0.55 (p = .11), 2.64 (p < .0001), and 0.41 (p = .01), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Although it is technically challenging, this largest meta-analysis indicates that EUS‑GE has comparable and high technical and clinical success rates and hence a very effective minimally invasive procedure for GOO.

Preferred techniques for endoscopic ultrasound-guided gastroenterostomy: a survey of expert endosonographers

Background and study aims Endoscopic ultrasound-guided gastroenterostomy (EUS-GE) is an emerging procedure that lacks technical standardization with limited adoption beyond expert centers. We surveyed high-volume endosonographers about the technical aspects of EUS-GE to describe how the procedure is currently performed at expert centers and identify targets for standardization. Methods Invitations to complete an electronic survey were distributed to 21 expert EUS practitioners at 19 U.S. centers. Respondents were surveyed about technical aspects of EUS-GE, indications, efficacy, safety, and attitudes toward the procedure. Results All 21 (100%) invited expert endoscopists completed the survey. Nine (42.9%) reported performing >10 EUS-GEs in the last 12 months. About half (47.6%, 10/21) puncture the target loop prior to lumen-apposing metal stent (LAMS) introduction, most often to confirm the loop is jejunum. No respondents reported guidewire placement prior to LAMS introduction. Most (71.4%, 15/21) do not use a guidewire at any time, while 28.6% (6/21) reported wire placement after distal flange deployment to secure the tract during apposition. Eight (38.1%, 8/21) reported at least one major adverse event, most commonly intraperitoneal LAMS deployment (87.5%, 7/8). Factors most often reported as advantageous for EUS-GE over enteral stenting included lack of papilla interference (33.3%, 7/21) and decreased occlusion risk (23.8%, 5/21). Conclusions Significant variation in performance technique for EUS-GE exists among expert US endoscopists, which may hinder widespread adoption and contribute to inconsistencies in reported patient outcomes. The granularity provided by these survey results may identify areas to focus standardization efforts and guide future studies on developing an ideal EUS-GE protocol.

Utility of interventional endoscopic ultrasound in pancreatic cancer

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) has an important role in the management algorithm of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), typically for its diagnostic utilities. The past two decades have seen a rapid expansion of the therapeutic capabilities of EUS. Interventional EUS is now one of the more exciting developments within the field of endoscopy. The local effects of PDAC tend to be in anatomical areas which are difficult to target and endoscopy has cemented itself as a key role in managing the clinical sequelae of PDAC. Interventional EUS is increasingly utilized in situations whereby conventional endoscopy is either impossible to perform or unsuccessful. It also adds a different dimension to the host of oncological and surgical treatments for patients with PDAC. In this review, we aim to summarize the various ways in which interventional EUS could benefit patients with PDAC and aim to provide a balanced commentary on the current evidence of interventional EUS in the literature.

Dilation balloon-occlusion technique for EUS-guided gastrojejunostomy

Video 1Dilation balloon-occlusion technique for EUS-guided gastrojejunostomy.

Prospective multicenter assessment of the impact of EUS-guided gastroenterostomy on patient quality of life in unresectable malignant gastric outlet obstruction

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

EUS-guided gastroenterostomy (EUS-GE) is increasingly used for malignant gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) in inoperable patients. However, the impact of EUS-GE on patient quality of life (QoL) has not been evaluated prospectively.

METHODS

Consecutive patients with unresectable malignant GOO who underwent EUS-GE between August 2019 and May 2021 at 4 Spanish centers were prospectively assessed using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QoL Questionnaire Core 30 at baseline and 1 month after the procedure. Centralized follow-up by telephone calls was undertaken. The Gastric Outlet Obstruction Scoring System (GOOSS) was used to assess oral intake, defining clinical success as a GOOSS ≥2. Differences between baseline and 30-day QoL scores were assessed using a linear mixed model.

RESULTS

Sixty-four patients were enrolled, 33 (51.6%) men, with a median age of 77.3 years (interquartile range, 65.5-86.5). The most common diagnoses were pancreatic (35.9%) and gastric (31.3%) adenocarcinoma. Thirty-seven patients (57.9%) presented a 2/3 baseline Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status score. Oral intake was restarted within 48 hours in 61 patients (95.3%), and the median postprocedure hospital stay was 3.5 days (interquartile range, 2-5). The 30-day clinical success rate was 83.3%. A clinically significant increase of 21.6 points (95% confidence interval, 11.5-31.7) in the global health status scale was documented, with significant improvements in nausea and vomiting, pain, constipation, and appetite loss.

CONCLUSIONS

EUS-GE relieves GOO symptoms in patients with unresectable malignancy, allowing rapid oral intake and hospital discharge. It also provides a clinically relevant increase in QoL scores at 30 days from baseline. (Clinical trial registration number: NCT04660695.).

Prognostic impact of clinical outcome after endoscopic gastroduodenal stent placement for malignant gastric outlet obstruction: a multicenter retrospective cohort study using a time-dependent analysis

Background

Endoscopic gastroduodenal stent (GDS) placement is widely used as a safe and effective method to rapidly improve gastrointestinal symptoms of malignant gastric outlet obstruction (MGOO). While previous studies reported the utility of chemotherapy after GDS placement for prognosis improvement, they did not fully address the issue of immortal time bias.

Objectives

To examine the association between prognosis and clinical course following endoscopic GDS placement, using a time-dependent analysis.

Design

Multicenter retrospective cohort study.

Methods

This study included 216 MGOO patients who underwent GDS placement between April 2010 and August 2020. Data of patient baseline characteristics, including age, gender, cancer type, performance status (PS), GDS type and length, GDS placement location, gastric outlet obstruction scoring system (GOOSS) score, and history of chemotherapy before GDS were collected. The clinical course following GDS placement was evaluated by GOOSS score, stent dysfunction, cholangitis, and chemotherapy. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to identify prognostic factors after GDS placement. Stent dysfunction, post-stent cholangitis, and post-stent chemotherapy were analyzed as time-dependent covariates.

Results

Mean GOOSS scores before and after GDS were 0.7 and 2.4, respectively, with significant improvement after GDS placement (p < 0.001). The median survival time after GDS placement was 79 [95% confidence interval (CI): 68-103] days. In multivariate Cox proportional hazards model with time-dependent covariates, PS 0-1 [hazard ratio (HR): 0.55, 95% CI: 0.40-0.75; p < 0.001], ascites (HR: 1.45, 95% CI: 1.04-2.01; p = 0.028), metastasis (HR: 1.84, 95% CI: 1.31-2.58; p < 0.001), post-stent cholangitis (HR: 2.38, 95% CI: 1.37-4.15; p = 0.002), and post-stent chemotherapy (HR: 0.01, 95% CI: 0.002-0.10; p < 0.001) significantly affected prognosis after GDS placement.

Conclusion

Post-stent cholangitis and tolerability to receive chemotherapy after GDS placement influenced prognosis in MGOO patients.

EUS-Guided Gastroenterostomy in Malignant Gastric Outlet Obstruction: A Comparative Study between First- and Second-Line Approaches after Enteral Stent Placement

INTRODUCTION

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided gastroenterostomy (EUS-GE) is increasingly used in the setting of malignant gastric outlet obstruction (GOO). However, little is known about the role of primary EUS-GE. The aim of the present study is to compare the outcomes of EUS-GE by using the freehand technique as a first- and second-line approach after enteral stenting (ES).

METHODS

This is an observational single-center study using a prospectively collected database. All consecutive patients who underwent an EUS-GE using the freehand technique due to malignant GOO were included. Patients with previous gastric surgery, a wire-guided EUS-GE technique, or those presenting without GOO were excluded. The primary outcome was the clinical success, defined as a solid oral intake at 1 week after the procedure (GOO Score, GOOSS ≥ 2). The secondary outcomes were technical success and adverse event (AE) rates. The impact on nutritional parameters was also assessed.

RESULTS

Forty-five patients underwent an EUS-GE for all indications. Finally, 28 patients (mean age: 63 ± 17.2 years, 57.1% male) with (n = 13, 46.4%) and without (n = 15, 53.6%) a previous ES were included. The technical success was achieved in 25 cases (89.3%), with no differences between the two groups (92.3% vs. 86.7%, p = 1). The median limb diameter and procedure time were 27 mm (range:15-48) and 37 min. Overall, clinical success was achieved in 22 cases (88%), with three failures due to AEs (n = 2) or peritoneal carcinomatosis (n = 1). The diet progression was quicker in patients with a previous ES (GOOSS at 48 h, 2 vs. 1, p = 0.023), but the GOOSS at 1 week (p = 0.299), albumin gain (p = 0.366), and BMI gain (0.257) were comparable in the two groups. The AE rate was 7.1%.

CONCLUSIONS

EUS-GE achieves a high technical and clinical success in patients with GOO regardless of the presence of a previous ES. Patients with previous ES may have a quicker progression of their diet, but the GOOSS and nutritional status in the long term at 1 week or 1 month are comparable. Primary EUS-GE might require fewer procedures and less discontinuation of chemotherapy to achieve a comparable result.

Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Gastroenterostomy for the Palliation of Gastric Outlet Obstruction (GOO): A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of the Different Techniques

INTRODUCTION

Gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) is usually associated with a poor prognosis and a significant decrease in a patient's quality of life. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided gastroenterostomy (EUS-GE) using lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMS) has emerged as a safe and effective palliation procedure for GOO in patients that are unfit for surgery. Without an exclusive gold-standard technique for EUS-GE, we aimed to compare the currently available ones in this systematic review and meta-analysis, the first on this subspecialty.

METHODS

A comprehensive search from multiple electronic databases was performed. The search had a particular emphasis on the techniques used in performing EUS-GE. We identified all the studies in which EUS-GE was performed as palliation for GOO from its inception to the current date. The outcomes analyzed were the following: technical and clinical success, total and severe adverse events (AEs), procedure duration, and length of hospital stay (LOHS).

RESULTS

Twenty studies involving 863 patients were the basis of this statistical analysis. Patients underwent the following techniques: direct gastroenterostomy (DGE) (n=718), balloon-assisted gastroenterostomy (BAGE) (n=27), and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided double-balloon-occluded gastrojejunostomy bypass (n=118). In comparison to balloon-assisted techniques, DGE had a lower rate of AEs, -0.121 (95% CI -0.191 to -0.051 p=0.001); and LOHS for the DGE group, -2.684 (95% CI -1.031 to -4.337 p=0.001). The other analyzed outcomes presented no statistically significant differences. On a sub-analysis, BAGE showed a lower rate of AEs than EUS-guided double-balloon-occluded gastrojejunostomy bypass, -0.196 (95% CI -0.061 to -0.331 p=0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

EUS-GE is a safe and effective procedure for palliating GOO. When correctly administered, any of the analyzed techniques may be used to palliate GOO with similar technical and clinical outcomes. DGE had significantly lower rates of AEs and LOHS, which can be inferred as a safer procedure. These results should be interpreted cautiously due to the limited few studies that are available and accessible. Therefore, further well-designed, randomized clinical studies on the topic are warranted to compare the different techniques from more sources.