Interventional endoscopic ultrasonography for benign biliary diseases in patients with surgically altered anatomy

Propensity score matching analysis for clinical impact of braided-type versus laser-cut-type covered self-expandable metal stents for endoscopic ultrasound-guided hepaticogastrostomy

BACKGROUND

To prevent stent migration during endoscopic ultrasound-guided hepaticogastrostomy (EUS-HGS), intra-scope channel release technique is important, but is unfamiliar to non-expert hands. The self-expandable metal stent (SEMS) is an additional factor to prevent stent migration. However, no comparative studies of laser-cut-type and braided-type during EUS-HGS have been reported. The aim of this study was to compare the distance between the intrahepatic bile duct and stomach wall after EUS-HGS among laser-cut-type and braided-type SEMS.

METHODS

To evaluate stent anchoring function, we measured the distance between the hepatic parenchyma and stomach wall before EUS-HGS, one day after EUS-HGS, and 7 days after EUS-HGS. Also, propensity score matching was performed to create a propensity score for using laser-cut-type group and braided-type group.

RESULTS

A total of 142 patients were enrolled in this study. Among them, 24 patients underwent EUS-HGS using a laser-cut-type SEMS, and 118 patients underwent EUS-HGS using a braided-type SEMS. EUS-HGS using the laser-cut-type SEMS was mainly performed by non-expert endoscopists (n = 21); EUS-HGS using braided-type SEMS was mainly performed by expert endoscopists (n = 98). The distance after 1 day was significantly shorter in the laser-cut-type group than that in the braided-type group [2.00 (1.70-3.75) vs. 6.90 (3.72-11.70) mm, P < 0.001]. In addition, this distance remained significantly shorter in the laser-cut-type group after 7 days. Although these results were similar after propensity score matching analysis, the distance between hepatic parenchyma and stomach after 7 days was increased by 4 mm compared with the distance after 1 day in the braided-type group. On the other hand, in the laser-cut-type group, the distance after 1 day and 7 days was almost the same.

CONCLUSIONS

EUS-HGS using a laser-cut-type SEMS may be safe to prevent stent migration, even in non-expert hands.

Efficacy and safety of EUS-guided biliary drainage for benign biliary obstruction - A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background and Objectives

ERCP is the first line of treatment for benign and malignant biliary obstruction and EUS-guided biliary drainage (EUS-BD) is usually used for patients who have failed ERCP. Recently, several studies have evaluated the role of EUS-BD in the management of benign biliary obstruction. This meta-analysis evaluates the efficacy and safety of EUS-BD in the management of benign biliary obstruction.

Methods

We reviewed several databases from inception to July 8, 2022, to identify studies evaluating the efficacy and safety of EUS-BD in the management of benign biliary obstruction. Our outcomes of interest were technical success, clinical success, and adverse events. Pooled rates with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for all outcomes were calculated using a random effects model. Subgroup analyses were performed including patients with normal anatomy versus surgically altered anatomy (SAA). Heterogeneity was assessed by I2 statistic.

Results

We included 14 studies with 329 patients. The pooled rate (95% CI) of technical success was 88% (83%, 92%). The pooled rate (95% CI) of technical success for patients with SAA and normal anatomy was 92% (85%, 96%) and 83% (75%, 89%), respectively. The pooled rates (95% CI) of clinical success and adverse events were 89% (83%, 93%) and 19% (13%, 26%), respectively. We found low heterogeneity in most of the analyses.

Conclusions

EUS-BD is an effective and safe option in patients with benign biliary obstruction and should be considered after a failed attempt at ERCP or when ERCP is not technically possible.

Feasibility of Cholangioscopy Using Multibending Ultra-Slim Endoscope Through a Lumen-Apposing Metal Stent for Choledochoduodenostomy

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) guided choledochoduodenostomy using a lumen-apposing metal stent (LAMS) allows access to the biliary system with a sufficiently large diameter stent. However, an appropriate endoscope for this purpose is required. We evaluated the feasibility of per-oral cholangioscopy (POC) using a multibending ultra-slim endoscope through a LAMS for EUS-guided choledochoduodenostomy.

METHODS

Twelve patients who underwent EUS-guided choledochoduodenostomy, followed by POC via a LAMS, were enrolled. POC was performed with an multibending ultra-slim endoscope. The primary outcome was technical success, defined as examination of both hepatic ducts and either the distal common bile duct or stricture site within 10 min. The types of intervention and adverse events were also assessed.

RESULTS

Technical success was achieved in all cases with the multibending ultra-slim endoscope. Narrow-band imaging endoscopy was performed in five cases (41.7%) and POC-guided targeted biopsy was performed in three cases (25.0%). Stone extraction during POC was performed in two patients (16.7%) and foreign body removal from the intrahepatic duct was performed in one patient. One patient underwent additional metal stent insertion under direct visualization. After POC, no stent migration or severe adverse events were seen in any case.

CONCLUSIONS

POC using a multibending ultra-slim endoscope for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes can be performed effectively and safely through a LAMS after EUS-guided choledochoduodenostomy.

Stone removal by percutaneous papillary balloon dilatation for cystic duct and bile duct stones after cholecystectomy and distal gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y gastrojejunostomy

A 71-year-old woman was referred to our department for abdominal pain. She was diagnosed with acute obstructive cholangitis due to cystic duct and bile duct stones after cholecystectomy and Roux-en-Y gastrojejunostomy. Two years ago, the patient underwent endoscopic and laparoscopic treatment for cystic duct and bile duct stones, however, the stones remained. This time, she was treated with stone removal using percutaneous papillary balloon dilatation (PPBD). Large stones in the common hepatic and bile ducts were crushed by electrohydraulic lithotripsy and then pushed out into the duodenum through the dilated papilla of Vater using a balloon catheter covered with the sheath and cholangioscopy. Stone in the cystic duct was pulled to the common bile duct and pushed to the duodenum. Stone removal using PPBD is an excellent alternative for patients with cystic duct and bile duct stones unable to be treated with endoscopic or laparoscopic stone removal.

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

1: ESGE recommends the use of endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage (EUS-BD) over percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) after failed endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in malignant distal biliary obstruction when local expertise is available.Strong recommendation, moderate quality evidence. 2: ESGE suggests EUS-BD with hepaticogastrostomy only for malignant inoperable hilar biliary obstruction with a dilated left hepatic duct when inadequately drained by ERCP and/or PTBD in high volume expert centers.Weak recommendation, moderate quality evidence. 3: ESGE recommends that EUS-guided pancreatic duct (PD) drainage should only be considered in symptomatic patients with an obstructed PD when retrograde endoscopic intervention fails or is not possible.Strong recommendation, low quality evidence. 4: ESGE recommends rendezvous EUS techniques over transmural PD drainage in patients with favorable anatomy owing to its lower rate of adverse events.Strong recommendation, low quality evidence. 5: ESGE recommends that, in patients at high surgical risk, EUS-guided gallbladder drainage (GBD) should be favored over percutaneous gallbladder drainage where both techniques are available, owing to the lower rates of adverse events and need for re-interventions in EUS-GBD.Strong recommendation, high quality of evidence. 6: ESGE recommends EUS-guided gastroenterostomy (EUS-GE), in an expert setting, for malignant gastric outlet obstruction, as an alternative to enteral stenting or surgery.Strong recommendation, low quality evidence. 7: ESGE recommends that EUS-GE may be considered in the management of afferent loop syndrome, especially in the setting of malignancy or in poor surgical candidates. Strong recommendation, low quality evidence. 8: ESGE suggests that endoscopic ultrasound-directed transgastric ERCP (EDGE) can be offered, in expert centers, to patients with a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass following multidisciplinary decision-making, with the aim of overcoming the invasiveness of laparoscopy-assisted ERCP and the limitations of enteroscopy-assisted ERCP.Weak recommendation, low quality evidence.

Expanding indications for endoscopic ultrasound-guided hepaticogastrostomy for patients with insufficient dilatation of the intrahepatic bile duct using a 22G needle combined with a novel 0.018-inch guidewire (with video)

A prerequisite for endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided hepaticogastrostomy (HGS) is adequate dilation of the intrahepatic bile duct. Compared with a 19G needle, the 22G needle offers more flexible manipulation and superior ability to achieve bile duct puncture. However, evidence regarding EUS-HGS using a 22G needle remains limited. The present study evaluated the feasibility and safety of EUS-HGS using a novel 0.018-inch guidewire and 22G needle for patients with insufficient intrahepatic bile duct dilation. If the bile duct diameter was <1.5 mm, a 22G needle was used, and the diameter was ≥1.5 mm; puncture with a 19G needle was first attempted, with the 22G needle being inserted if initial bile duct puncture failed. EUS-HGS using the 22G needle was attempted in a total of 10 patients, including one patient with failed insertion of a 19G needle. Median diameter of the puncture site was 1.2 mm (range 0.5-2.5 mm). Bile duct puncture using the 22G needle was successful in all patients. Insertion of the novel 0.018-inch guidewire was also successful in all patients. However, since tract dilation using an ultra-tapered mechanical dilator failed in two patients, tract dilation was performed using a balloon dilator. Finally, stent deployment was successfully performed in all patients. EUS-HGS using a 22G needle with a novel 0.018-inch guidewire appears safe and feasible.

Endoscopic management of difficult common bile duct stones: Where are we now? A comprehensive review

Endoscopic management for difficult common bile duct (CBD) stones still presents a challenge for several reasons, including anatomic anomalies, patients’ individual conditions and stone features. In recent years, variable methods have emerged that have attributed to higher stone removal success rates, reduced cost and lower adverse events. In this review, we outline a stepwise approach in CBD stone management. As first line therapy, endoscopic sphincterotomy and large balloon dilation are recommended, due to a 30%-50% reduction of the use of mechanical lithotripsy. On the other hand, cholangioscopy-assisted lithotripsy has been increasingly reported as an effective and safe alternative technique to mechanical lithotripsy but remains to be reserved in special settings due to limited large-scale evidence. As discussed, findings suggest that management needs to be tailored to the patient’s characteristics and anatomical conditions. Furthermore, we evaluate the management of CBD stones in various surgical altered anatomy (Billroth II, Roux-en-Y and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass). Moreover, we could conclude that cholangioscopy-assisted lithotripsy needs to be evaluated for primary use, rather than following a failed management option. In addition, we discuss the importance of dissecting other techniques, such as the primary use of interventional endoscopic ultrasound for the management of CBD stones when other techniques have failed. In conclusion, we recognize that endoscopic sphincterotomy and large balloon dilation, mechanical lithotripsy and intraductal lithotripsy substantiate an indication to the management of difficult CBD stones, but emerging techniques are in rapid evolution with encouraging results.

Technical feasibility and safety of one-step deployment of EUS-guided hepaticogastrostomy using an 8-mm diameter metal stent with a fine-gauge stent delivery system (with video)

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Adverse events (AEs) such as bile peritonitis or pneumoperitoneum might occur during procedural steps for EUS-guided hepaticogastrostomy (HGS), such as during device exchange and after fistula dilation until stent deployment. Reducing the steps to the EUS-HGS procedure might therefore be ideal to prevent the occurrence of AEs. Recently, a novel, fully covered self-expandable metal stent (FCSEMS) has become available. Because of the fine-gauge stent delivery system (5.9Fr), fistula dilation might not be needed before stent deployment during EUS-HGS. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the technical feasibility and safety of one-step EUS-HGS using a novel 8-mm diameter FCSEMS.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The primary outcome in this study was technical success, and the secondary outcomes were procedure- and stent-related AEs and clinical success. The technical success of one-step EUS-HGS was defined as successful FCSEMS deployment without any fistula dilation. Procedure time was measured from scope insertion to successful FCSEMS deployment.

RESULTS

One-step EUS-HGS using the novel FCSEMS was attempted on 14 patients. Technical success with a short procedure time (median: 7 min) and clinical success were obtained in all patients. In addition, procedure-related AEs such as bleeding, bile peritonitis, and stent migration during the procedure were not observed in any patients.

CONCLUSIONS

One-step EUS-HGS using the novel FCSEMS with a fine-gauge stent delivery system is technically feasible and shortens the procedure time with no requirement for additional fistula dilation, resulting in a potential reduction in procedure-related AEs.

EUS-guided hepaticogastrostomy for hepaticojejunostomy stricture using a 22G needle and a mechanical dilator (with video)

EUS-guided biliary drainage (EUS-BD) has been indicated for benign biliary strictures. However, the intrahepatic bile duct is sometimes much narrower in benign biliary strictures. In this situation, puncture of the intrahepatic bile duct using a 19-G needle is sometimes challenging. Several reports have described attempts at EUS-BD using a 22-G needle, but fistula dilation with a 22-G needle is challenging because the 0.018-inch guidewire is not stiff enough to perform dilatation. Recently, a thin mechanical dilator has become available. After its insertion into the biliary tract, the 0.018-inch guidewire can be replaced with a 0.025-inch guidewire. We herein describe the technical procedure of EUS-guided hepaticogastrostomy using a 22-G needle with a thin mechanical dilator.

Repeated balloon dilatation with long-term biliary drainage for treatment of benign biliary-enteric anastomosis strictures: A STROBE-compliant article

Percutaneous balloon dilatation for benign biliary-enteric anastomosis stricture has been the most widely used alternative to endoscopic treatment. However, patency results from the precedent literature are inconsistent.The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and feasibility of repeated balloon dilatation with long-term biliary drainage for the treatment of benign biliary-enteric anastomosis strictures.Data from patients with benign biliary-enteric anastomosis strictures who underwent percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTC), repeated balloon dilatation with long-term biliary drainage (repeated-dilatation group; n = 23), or PTC and single balloon dilatation with long-term biliary drainage (single-dilatation group; n = 26) were reviewed. Postoperative complications, jaundice remission, and sustained anastomosis patency were compared between the groups.All procedures were successful. No severe intraoperative complications, such as biliary bleeding and perforation, were observed. The jaundice remission rate in the first week was similar in the 2 groups. During the 26-month follow-up period, 3 patients in the repeated-dilatation group had recurrences (mean time to recurrence: 22.84 ± 0.67 months, range: 18-26 months). In the single-dilatation group, 15 patients had recurrences (mean time to recurrence = 15.28 ± 1.63 months, range: 3-18 months). The duration of patency after dilatation was significantly better in the repeated-dilatation group (P = .01). All patients with recurrence underwent repeat PTC followed by balloon dilatation and biliary drainage.Repeated balloon dilatation and biliary drainage is an effective, minimally invasive, and safe procedure for treating benign biliary-enteric anastomosis strictures, and provides significantly higher patency rates than single dilatation.