EUS-guided gastroenterostomy versus enteral stenting for gastric outlet obstruction: Systematic review and meta-analysis

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided gastroenterostomy versus duodenal stenting for gastric outlet obstruction: A systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression

BACKGROUND

Gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) refers to mechanical obstruction at the level of the gastric outlet and is associated with significantly impacted quality of life and mortality. Duodenal stenting (DS) offers a minimally invasive approach to managing GOO but is associated with a high risk of stent obstruction. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided gastroenterostomy (EUS-GE) is a novel intervention that uses lumen-apposing metal stents to open the restricted lumen. The current evidence comparing EUS-GE to DS is limited and inconsistent.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic literature search on PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Scopus, and clinicaltrials.gov to retrieve studies comparing EUS-GE to DS for GOO. Odds ratios (OR) and mean differences (MD) with their 95% confidence intervals (CI) were pooled using the DerSimonian-Laird inverse variance random-effects model. Statistical significance was set at P < .05.

RESULTS

Ten studies with a total of 1275 GOO patients (585: EUS-GE and 690: DS) were included. EUS-GE was associated with statistically significant higher clinical success [OR: 2.52; 95% CI: 1.64, 3.86; P < .001], lower re-intervention rate [OR: 0.12; 95% CI: 0.06, 0.22; P < .00001], longer procedural time [MD: 20.91; 95% CI: 15.48, 26.35; P < .00001], and lower risk of adverse events [OR: 0.49; 95% CI: 0.29, 0.82; P = .007] than DS. Technical success [OR: 0.62; 95% CI: 0.31, 1.25] and the length of hospital stay [MD: -2.12; 95% CI: -5.23, 0.98] were comparable between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSION

EUS-GE is associated with higher clinical success, longer total procedural time, lower re-intervention rate, and lower risk of adverse events than DS. Technical success and the length of hospital stay were comparable between the 2 groups. EUS-GE appears to be a safe and effective procedure for managing GOO. Further large, multicentric randomized controlled trials are warranted to investigate the safety and outcomes of EUS-GE in patients with malignant GOO.

Palliative procedures for malignant gastric outlet obstruction: a network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The optimal treatment for malignant gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) remains uncertain. This systematic review aimed to comprehensively investigate the efficacy and safety of four palliative treatments for malignant GOO: gastrojejunostomy, endoscopic ultrasound-guided gastroenterostomy (EUS-GE), stomach-partitioning gastrojejunostomy (PGJ), and endoscopic stenting.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and cohort studies comparing the four treatments for malignant GOO. We included studies that reported at least one of the following clinical outcomes: clinical success, 30-day mortality, reintervention rate, or length of hospital stay. Evidence from RCTs and non-RCTs was naïve combined to perform network meta-analysis through the frequentist approach using an inverse variance model. Treatments were ranked by P score.

RESULTS

This network meta-analysis included 3617 patients from 4 RCTs, 4 prospective cohort studies, and 32 retrospective cohort studies. PGJ was the optimal approach in terms of clinical success and reintervention (P scores: 0.95 and 0.90, respectively). EUS-GE had the highest probability of being the optimal treatment in terms of 30-day mortality and complications (P scores: 0.82 and 0.99, respectively). Cluster ranking to combine the P scores for 30-day mortality and reintervention indicated the benefits of PGJ and EUS-GE (cophenetic correlation coefficient: 0.94; PGJ and EUS-GE were in the same cluster).

CONCLUSION

PGJ and EUS-GE are recommended for malignant GOO. PGJ could be the alternative choice in centers with limited resources or in patients who are unsuitable for EUS-GE.

Lumen-apposing metal stents: A primer on indications and technical tips

Lumen-apposing metal stents have ushered a new frontier for interventional endoscopic ultrasound. Initial use for the drainage of pancreatic fluid collections has rapidly expanded to the bile duct, gallbladder and small bowel. Intra-luminal applications for short strictures have also emerged. Electrocautery enhancement has made the stent delivery speedy. While the advent of lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMS) has brought a paradigm shift in the practice of interventional endoscopic ultrasound, their use is associated with certain technicalities that any advanced endosonologist should know. Understanding indications for LAMS is critical and their use in appropriate settings. Troubleshooting in tricky situations is always a challenge and the background considerations for their use include knowing the target organ, cautery and puncture technique, managing partially opened LAMS and also managing maldeployment. In this review, we discuss the intricacies and technical tips for the use of lumen-apposing metal stents.

Propensity score-matched retrospective cohort study of endoscopic ultrasound-guided gastroenterostomy and enteral stenting for malignant gastric outlet

BACKGROUND

Symptomatic malignant gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) significantly reduce patients' quality of life. Endoscopic treatment involves enteral stenting or endoscopic ultrasonography to perform gastroenterostomy (EUS-GE). Aim was to compare enteral stenting with EUS-GE for endoscopic treatment of malignant GOO.

METHODS

We retrospectively compared enteral stenting with EUS-GE for the treatment of malignant GOO. Patients treated at our institution were identified and a propensity score matching analysis was performed. Treatment failure was the primary outcome, while the secondary endpoints were time until treatment failure, technical and clinical success rates, and adverse event rates.

RESULTS

Eighty-eight patients were included in the final analysis. Of whom, 44 were included in each of the two treatment groups. Treatment failure occurred significantly more frequently in the enteral stenting group (13/44) compared with the EUS-GE group (4/44; hazard ratio: 4,9; 95% CI 1.6-15.1). A Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed a median time until treatment failure of 22.0 weeks (95% CI 4.6-39.4) in the enteral stenting group compared with 76.0 weeks (95% CI 55.9-96.1) in the EUS-GE group (P = .002). No difference in technical success and clinical success was detected. Technical success was achieved in 43/44 patients (97.7%) in the enteral stenting group compared with 41/44 patients (93.2%) in the EUS-GE group, while clinical success was achieved in 32/44 (72.7%) and 35/44 (79.5%) patients, respectively. Nine adverse events were observed (9/44, 10.2%). There were no differences in 30-day adverse event rate and 30-day mortality rate.

CONCLUSION

EUS-GE was superior to enteral stenting in the treatment of malignant GOO in terms of treatment failure and time until treatment failure in a propensity score-matched cohort.

Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Gastroenterostomy for Malignant Gastric Outlet Obstruction: A Minimally Invasive Alternative to Palliative Surgical Bypass

Gastric outlet obstruction is a mechanical obstruction to the flow of gastric contents to the intestines. The most common causes of malignant gastric outlet obstruction (MGOO) are pancreatic and gastric cancers. MGOO is associated with reduced quality of life and poor prognosis due to malnourishment from the inability to tolerate oral intake. Surgical gastrojejunostomy and endoscopic placement of enteral stents are palliative options with different advantages and disadvantages. We present a case of MGOO treated with endoscopic ultrasound-guided gastroenterostomy, a minimally invasive alternative to palliative surgical bypass.

Colonic-enteric lumen-apposing metal stents: a promising and safe alternative for endoscopic management of small-bowel obstruction

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMSs) have revolutionized the treatment of various gastroenterologic conditions that previously required surgery. The use of LAMSs for the management of small-bowel obstruction (SBO) involves EUS-guided coloenterostomy (EUS-CE) between the colon and a dilated loop of the small intestine proximal to the point of obstruction. This procedure is potentially beneficial for patients with malignant SBO who are poor surgical candidates.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted at 2 tertiary care hospitals. Patients who underwent EUS-CE for SBO were identified, and data regarding patient demographics, indication for the procedure, location of the obstruction, procedural details, and adverse events were collected. The primary outcome was technical success of the procedure. Secondary outcomes were clinical success, resolution of symptoms, ability to tolerate enteral nutrition, and adverse events.

RESULTS

Twenty-six patients who underwent the EUS-CE procedure were included. Technical success was achieved in all 26 patients, clinical success (resolution of obstructive symptoms) was achieved in 92.3% of patients (24/26), and the ability to resume enteral nutrition in 84.6% (22/26). Adverse events occurred in 4 patients (15.4%) and included bleeding (1/26), diarrhea (2/26), and postprocedure sepsis (1/26). Patients were followed for a mean of 54.8 days (range, 2-190).

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlights that EUS-CE with LAMSs can be performed with high technical and clinical success for the management of SBO, particularly in patients with malignant obstructions who are not suitable candidates for surgical interventions. Further research with larger sample sizes will be essential to substantiate its efficacy and safety.

Revealing Insights: A Comprehensive Overview of Gastric Outlet Obstruction Management, with Special Emphasis on EUS-Guided Gastroenterostomy

Gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) poses a common and challenging clinical scenario, characterized by mechanical blockage in the pylorus, distal stomach, or duodenum, resulting in symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and early satiety. Its diverse etiology encompasses both benign and malignant disorders. The spectrum of current treatment modalities extends from conservative approaches to more invasive interventions, incorporating procedures like surgical gastroenterostomy (SGE), self-expandable metallic stents (SEMSs) placement, and the advanced technique of endoscopic ultrasound-guided gastroenterostomy (EUS-GE). While surgery is favored for longer life expectancy, stents are preferred in malignant gastric outlet stenosis. The novel EUS-GE technique, employing a lumen-apposing self-expandable metal stent (LAMS), combines the immediate efficacy of stents with the enduring benefits of gastroenterostomy. Despite its promising outcomes, EUS-GE is a technically demanding procedure requiring specialized expertise and facilities.

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.

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.

Endoscopic ultrasound guided gastroenterostomy: Technical details updates, clinical outcomes, and adverse events

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided gastroenterostomy (EUS-GE) has been transformed from an innovative technique, into a viable alternative to enteral stenting and surgical gastrointestinal anastomosis for patients with gastric outlet obstruction. Even EUS-GE guided ERCP and EUS-guided gastrointestinal anastomosis for the treatment of afferent loop syndrome have been performed, giving patients more less invasive options. However, EUS-GE is still a technically challenging procedure. In order to improve EUS-GE, several techniques have been reported to improve the technical details. With EUS-GE widely performed, more data about EUS-GE’s clinical outcomes have been reported. The aim of the current review is to describe technical details updates, clinical outcomes, and adverse events of EUS-GE.

Outcomes of endoscopic ultrasound-guided gastro-enterostomy for gastric outlet obstruction in a two-centre Australian Cohort (with video)

PURPOSE

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided gastro-enterostomy (EUS-GE) is a relatively novel technique that has been shown to require less re-intervention than standard endoscopic enteral stenting for gastric outlet obstruction and is less invasive, quicker, and more cost-effective than surgery. This study evaluated the outcomes and safety of EUS-GE in patients treated for gastric outlet obstruction across two Australian centers.

METHODS

Retrospective data on demographics, presenting symptoms, disease, endoscopic and clinical outcomes, and safety were collected on all patients who underwent EUS-GE from 2021 to 2022. Descriptive statistics were used to evaluate outcomes and safety and survival were calculated using Kaplan-Meier analysis.

RESULTS

Eleven patients underwent EUS-GE during the defined period, 10 of whom had a malignant etiology (median age 73 years, interquartile range [IQR] 13; 63.6% male). Technical success was 90.9%. Of those patients, clinical success (the ability to tolerate at least a full liquid diet during follow-up) was 100%. The median length of hospital stay post-procedure was 6 days (IQR 14 days). No severe adverse events occurred, and one patient (10%) required a repeat endoscopy. Median survival post-EUS-GE was 298 days (95% confidence interval 0-730.1 days) CONCLUSION: EUS-GE is an effective, safe, and durable therapy for patients with gastric outlet obstruction. This study presents Australian data on outcomes and safety that is comparable to international literature. EUS-GE should be considered for patients where local expertise allows.

Endoscopic ultrasonography-guided gastroenterostomy versus surgical gastrojejunostomy for palliation of malignant gastric outlet obstruction (ENDURO): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Malignant gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) is a debilitating condition that frequently occurs in patients with malignancies of the distal stomach and (peri)ampullary region. The standard palliative treatment for patients with a reasonable life expectancy and adequate performance status is a laparoscopic surgical gastrojejunostomy (SGJ). Recently, endoscopic ultrasound-guided gastroenterostomy (EUS-GE) emerged as a promising alternative to the surgical approach. The present study aims to compare these treatment modalities in terms of efficacy, safety, and costs.

METHODS

The ENDURO-study is a multicentre, open-label, parallel-group randomized controlled trial. In total, ninety-six patients with gastric outlet obstruction caused by an irresectable or metastasized malignancy will be 1:1 randomized to either SGJ or EUS-GE. The primary endpoint is time to tolerate at least soft solids. The co-primary endpoint is the proportion of patients with persisting or recurring symptoms of gastric outlet obstruction for which a reintervention is required. Secondary endpoints are technical and clinical success, quality of life, gastroenterostomy dysfunction, reinterventions, time to reintervention, adverse events, quality of life, time to start chemotherapy, length of hospital stay, readmissions, weight, survival, and costs.

DISCUSSION

The ENDURO-study assesses whether EUS-GE, as compared to SGJ, results in a faster resumption of solid oral intake and is non-inferior regarding reinterventions for persistent or recurrent obstructive symptoms in patients with malignant GOO. This trial aims to guide future treatment strategies and to improve quality of life in a palliative setting.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP): NL9592. Registered on 07 July 2021.

EUS-guided enterocolostomy with lumen-apposing metal stent for palliation of malignant small-bowel obstruction (with video)

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Interventions for malignant small-bowel obstruction (SBO) may be limited by extent of peritoneal disease, rendering surgical or traditional endoscopic methods (ie, luminal stenting or decompressive gastrostomy) unfeasible. We demonstrated the novel use of EUS-guided lumen-apposing metal stent placement for enterocolonic bypass in patients with malignant SBO who were deemed high risk for surgery.

METHODS

Across 3 tertiary U.S. centers, a retrospective series of consecutive patients underwent attempted EUS-guided enterocolostomy (EUS-EC) for palliation of acute SBO because of malignant causes. Technique and devices used were described, and patient demographics and outcome data were collected.

RESULTS

Ten patients were included, of whom 9 (90.0%) were men, with a mean age of 64.5 ± 14.0 years and who were 1.5 ± 2.1 years postdiagnosis. Technical success was achieved in 8 of 10 patients (80.0%) and clinical success in 7 of 10 (70.0%), with a single major adverse event (10.0%) of aspiration. Median time until resumption of oral intake was 1.0 day (range, 0-8) after the procedure, with an interval to discharge home of 6.5 days and survival of 57.0 days.

CONCLUSIONS

EUS-EC is a new alternative for palliation of acute SBO because of advanced malignant disease when conservative measures fail and other surgical or endoscopic options are not possible. Additional larger studies with longer duration of follow-up are needed to further define efficacy and safety of this approach.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided gastroenterostomy versus duodenal stenting for malignant gastric outlet obstruction: an international, multicenter, propensity score-matched comparison

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic duodenal stenting is the current standard treatment for malignant gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) in patients with limited life expectancy. However, duodenal stenting is prone to stent dysfunction. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided gastroenterostomy (EUS-GE) is a novel technique with potentially superior stent patency. We compared clinical success, safety, and stent dysfunction of EUS-GE and duodenal stenting in patients with malignant GOO using propensity score matching.

METHODS

This international, multicenter, retrospective study analyzed consecutive patients undergoing EUS-GE or duodenal stenting for GOO between 2015 and 2021 in three European centers. Primary outcomes were clinical success (GOO scoring system [GOOSS] ≥ 2) and stent dysfunction (GOOSS ≤ 1 after initial clinical success). A propensity score matching (1:1) analysis was performed using age, sex, underlying disease, disease stage, ascites, and peritoneal carcinomatosis as variables.

RESULTS

214 patients underwent EUS-GE (n = 107) or duodenal stenting (n = 107). After propensity score matching, 176 patients were matched and compared. Technical success rates for EUS-GE and duodenal stenting were 94 % (95 %CI 89 %-99 %) vs. 98 % (95 %CI 95 %-100 %), respectively (P = 0.44). Clinical success rates were 91 % (95 %CI 85 %-97 %) vs. 75 % (95 %CI 66 %-84 %; P = 0.008). Stent dysfunction occurred in 1 % (95 %CI 0-4 %) vs. 26 % (95 %CI 15 %-37 %) of patients (P < 0.001). Adverse event rate was 10 % (95 %CI 4 %-17 %) vs. 21 % (95 %CI 12 %-29 %; P = 0.09).

CONCLUSION

EUS-GE had higher clinical success and lower stent dysfunction, with similar safety, compared with duodenal stenting, suggesting that EUS-GE may be preferred over duodenal stenting in patients with malignant GOO.

Technical feasibility and clinical success of direct "free hand" EUS-guided gastroenterostomy in patients with gastric outlet obstruction

Background and study aims  Endoscopic ultrasound-guided gastroenterostomy (EUS-GE) with lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMS) appears to be a promising intervention in management of gastroduodenal out obstruction (GOO), particularly for patients for whom surgery is high risk or in a palliative setting. This study aimed to evaluate the technical feasibility, procedure-associated adverse events (AEs), and clinical outcome of direct "free hand" EUS-GE. Patients and methods  This retrospective two-center study included patients who underwent direct "free hand" EUS-GE (April 2017 to March 2021) investigating technical success (correctly placed LAMS), clinical outcome (successful oral nutrition), and management of procedure-associated AEs. "Free hand" was defined as the use of the electrocautery enhanced stent delivery system alone without additional guidewire-assistance for EUS-GE creation. Results  Forty-five patients (58 % women/42 % men; mean age 65 years) with malignant (n = 39), benign (n = 4) or unclear (n = 2) GOO underwent direct "free hand" EUS-GE. The technical success rate was 98 % (44/45). Of the patients, 95% (42/44) had less vomiting and increased ability to tolerate oral food intake after the intervention. In one patient, a second EUS-GE was necessary to achieve sufficient clinical improvement. Procedure-associated AEs were observed in 24 % (11/45) of cases including stent misplacement (n = 7), leakage (n = 1), development of a gastrojejunocolic fistula (n = 1), and bleeding (n = 2), which could be all managed endoscopically. Conclusions  Direct EUS-GE has a favorable risk-benefit profile for patients with GOO, showing high technical success rates, manageable AEs, and rapid symptom relief.

Safety of teaching endoscopic ultrasound-guided gastroenterostomy (EUS-GE) can be improved with standardization of the technique

Background and study aims Endoscopic ultrasound-guided gastroenterostomy (EUS-GE) is a novel technique developed to manage gastric outlet obstruction (GOO). It involves creating a fistula between the stomach and the proximal small bowel using an electric cautery-enhanced lumen-apposing metal stent (ECE-LAMS) with EUS guidance. We aimed to publish our experience in improving teaching of this technique to practicing endoscopists with a wide range of experience by comparing the outcomes before and after standardization of procedural steps.

Methods All EUS-GEs performed for inoperable GOO at a single institution from 2014 to 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. The technique was taught by one experienced endoscopist with prior expertise. Five advanced endoscopists with prior EUS and ECE-LAMS placement experience participated. The impact of standardization on outcomes (clinical and technical success, length of stay [LOS], procedure time, and adverse events [AEs]) was compared.

Results A total 41 EUS-GEs were performed (5 before and 36 after standardization) by endoscopists with practice experience ranging from 2 to 13 years. The patient population was similar in age and sex. Standardization was associated with significantly higher rates of technical success (100 % vs 60 %, P = 0.01) and lower peri-procedural AEs (2.8 % vs 40 %, P = 0.03). Two AEs in the pre-standardized group were gastric perforation and gastrocolic fistula creation. One AE in the post-standardized group was gastric perforation. Procedure time, clinical success, and LOS showed improvement, although it was not statistically significant.

Conclusions Teaching EUS-GE after standardizing the procedure was associated with a significant increase in technical success and a decrease in AEs irrespective of prior total experiences.

How to successfully administer palliative treatment with a stent for malignant gastric outlet obstruction?

Although endoscopic stenting (ES) has been widely used as a less-invasive palliation method for malignant gastric outlet obstruction (GOO), recent reports have highlighted issues related to the procedure. For successful treatment, various aspects must be assessed before considering the practices. First, it is necessary to eliminate cases with contraindications such as coexistence of distal small-bowel obstruction or perforation. Other factors potentially related to clinical failure (i.e., peritoneal carcinomatosis) may require consideration but remain controversial. ES has better short-term outcomes than surgical gastrojejunostomy (GJ). GJ has recently been considered preferable in cases with longer life expectancy because of superior sustainability. Various types of stents are now commercially available, but their ideal structure and mechanical properties have not yet been clarified. Covered metal stent may reduce stent obstruction but is prone to increase stent migration, and its significance remains uncertain. Subsequent chemotherapy after stenting should be considered, as it is expected to prolong patient survival without increasing the risk of adverse events. Furthermore, it may be helpful in preventing tumor ingrowth. In cases with GOO combined with biliary obstruction, biliary intervention is often difficult. Recently, endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage (EUS-BD) has been widely used as an alternative procedure for endoscopic transpapillary biliary drainage (ETBD). Despite the lack of consensus as to whether ETBD or EUS-BD is preferred, EUS-BD is useful as a salvage technique for cases where ETBD is difficult. To perform stent placement successfully, it is important to pay attention to the above points; however, many remaining issues need to be clarified in the future.

Endoscopic Management of Luminal Strictures: Beyond Dilation

Luminal strictures can occur as part of many different gastrointestinal (GI) disorders anywhere along the GI tract and affect all age groups. The end goal of managing any stricture is to re-establish an adequate and durable luminal patency that is sufficient to resolve the presenting clinical symptoms. Treatment options can be generally categorized into medical, endoscopic, and surgical. However, within each of these categories, multiple different options are available. Therefore, choosing the best treatment modality is often challenging and depends on multiple factors including the type, location, and complexity of the stricture, as well as the preference of the treating physician. In this article, we will review the most current literature regarding foregut strictures, particularly esophageal and gastric, beyond dilation.

EUS-guided gastroenterostomy versus surgical gastroenterostomy for the management of gastric outlet obstruction: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background and study aims  Surgical gastroenterostomy (SGE) has been the mainstay treatment for gastric outlet obstruction (GOO). The emergence of endoscopic ultrasound-guided gastroenterostomy (EUS-GE) presents a less invasive alternative for palliation of GOO. We conducted a comprehensive review and meta-analysis to compare the effectiveness and safety of EUS-GE compared to SGE. Methods  Multiple electronic databases and conference proceedings up to April 2021 were searched to identify studies that reported on safety and effectiveness of EUS-GE in comparison to SGE. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) of technical success, clinical success, adverse events (AE) and recurrence, and pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) of procedure time and post-procedure length of stay (LOS) were calculated. Study heterogeneity was assessed using I 2 and Cochran Q statistics. Results  Seven studies including 625 patients (372 EUS-GE and 253 SGE) were included. EUS-GE had lower pooled odds of technical success compared with SGE (OR 0.19, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 0.06-0.60, I 2 0 %). Among the technically successful cases, EUS-GE was superior in terms of clinical success (OR 4.73, 95 % CI 1.83-12.25, I 2 18 %), lower overall AE (OR 0.20, 95 % CI 0.10-0.37, I 2 39 %), and shorter procedure time (SMD -2.4, 95 % CI -4.1, -0.75, I 2 95 %) and post-procedure LOS (SMD -0.49, 95 % CI -0.94, -0.03, I 2 78%). Rates of severe AE (0.89, 95 % CI 0.11-7.36, I 2 67 %) and recurrence (OR 0.49, 95 % CI 0.18-1.38, I 2 49 %) were comparable. Conclusions  Our results suggest EUS-GE is a promising alternative to SGE due to its superior clinical success, overall safety, and efficiency. With further evolution EUS-GE could become the intervention of choice in GOO.

Gastric Outlet Obstruction: Current Status and Future Directions

Gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) is a relatively common condition in which mechanical obstruction of the pylorus, distal stomach, or duodenum causes severe symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and early satiety. Its etiology includes both benign and malignant disorders. Currently, GOO has many treatment options, including initial conservative therapeutic protocols and more invasive procedures, such as surgical gastroenterostomy, stent placement and, the most recently implemented procedure, endoscopic ultrasound-guided gastroenterostomy (EUS-GE). Each procedure has its merits, with surgery often prevailing in patients with longer life expectancy and stents being used most often in patients with malignant gastric outlet stenosis. The newly developed EUS-GE combines the immediate effect of stents and the long-term efficacy of gastroenterostomy. However, this novel method is a technically demanding process that requires expert experience and special facilities. Thus, the true clinical effectiveness, as well as the duration of the effects of EUS-GE, still need to be determined.

Role of therapeutic endoscopic ultrasound in gastrointestinal malignancy- current evidence and future directions

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) has come a long way from a mere diagnostic tool to an advanced therapeutic modality. With the advent of better technologies and accessories, EUS has found ground in the management of gastrointestinal (GI) malignancies, not only for diagnosis but also for therapeutic purposes. EUS can tackle a host of conditions, including hepato-pancreatico-biliary malignancies. Advances and experience in various EUS-guided biliary drainage techniques have enabled the endosonologist to tackle biliary obstruction when conventional techniques of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and/or percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) fails. More and more emerging data not only establishes the safety of EUS-BD but also demonstrates superior efficacy over PTBD and sometimes even ERCP. Malignant gastric outlet obstruction can now be safely managed with EUS-guided gastroenterostomy. Starting from pain management in malignant tumors through celiac plexus neurolysis to various tumor ablative therapies, EUS has forged ahead over percutaneous treatment or surgical options in the management of GI malignancies. Additional data is now coming up on the prospects of EUS-guided immunotherapy and biological therapy for tumor management. The future of EUS therapeutics in the field of GI malignancies is bright. With increasing evidence, this modality becoming a key player in management of a host of complex clinical conditions arising out of GI malignancies is in the offing. This review focuses on elucidating the role of therapeutic EUS in the management of GI malignancies, a synopsis of various techniques, data on its safety and efficacy as well as future advancements in this domain.

Futuristic Developments and Applications in Endoluminal Stenting

Endoscopic stenting is a well-established option for the treatment of malignant obstruction, temporary management of benign strictures, and sealing transmural defects, as well as drainage of pancreatic fluid collections and biliary obstruction. In recent years, in addition to expansion in indications for endoscopic stenting, considerable strides have been made in stent technology, and several types of devices with advanced designs and materials are continuously being developed. In this review, we discuss the important developments in stent designs and novel indications for endoluminal and transluminal stenting. Our discussion specifically focuses on (i) biodegradable as well as (ii) irradiating and drug-eluting stents for esophageal, gastroduodenal, biliary, and colonic indications, (iii) endoscopic stenting in inflammatory bowel disease, and (iv) lumen-apposing metal stent.

Single session endoscopic ultrasound-guided double bypass (hepaticogastrostomy and gastrojejunostomy) for concomitant duodenal and biliary obstruction: A case series

BACKGROUND

Concomitant malignant biliary and gastric outlet obstruction can be difficult to manage endoscopically with traditional endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and luminal stenting. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided hepaticogastrostomy (HG) and gastrojejunostomy (GJ) are novel techniques that can relieve both obstructions in a single session. This study aims to describe the outcomes of combined, single session EUS-HG and EUS-GJ.

METHODS

This is a two-center retrospective study of consecutive patients who underwent same session EUS-HG and EUS-GJ. The primary outcome was technical success. Secondary outcomes included adverse events (AE), reduction in total serum bilirubin, length of hospital stay (LOS), and re-intervention rates.

RESULTS

A total of 23 patients underwent EUS-HG and EUS-GJ (12 males, mean age 66.4 years). Twenty-one were performed for malignant obstruction. Technical success was 100% and 95.6% for HG and GJ, respectively. All patients subsequently tolerated a soft diet and 72.7% (16/22) of patients had a 50% reduction in bilirubin post-procedure. The median LOS for the 17 patients who were not discharged home immediately following the procedure was 2 (range 1-20) days. There were five AEs (2 mild, 3 moderate). Only three patients required reintervention (interventional radiology-guided biliary drainage, stent exchange for a benign biliary stricture, and placement of a second stent through an occluded distal common bile duct stent) over a median follow-up of 78 days. One patient with pancreatic cancer underwent successful tumor resection.

CONCLUSION

Single session EUS-guided double bypass (HG and GJ) is technically feasible and safe when conducted by experienced endosonographers. Larger, comparative studies are needed.

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.