Endoscopic double stenting for the treatment of malignant biliary and duodenal obstruction due to pancreatic cancer

Percutaneous insertion of long-covered biliary stents in patients with malignant duodenobiliary stricture

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the technical feasibility, safety, and efficacy of a long-covered biliary stent in patients with malignant duodenobiliary stricture.

METHODS

This retrospective study enrolled 57 consecutive patients (34 men, 23 women; mean age, 64 years; range, 32-85 years) who presented with malignant duodenobiliary stricture between February 2019 and November 2020. All patients were treated with a long (18 or 23 cm)-covered biliary stent.

RESULTS

The biliary stent deployment was technically successful in all 57 patients. The overall adverse event rate was 17.5% (10 of 57 patients). Successful internal drainage was achieved in 55 (96.5%) of 57 patients. The median patient survival and stent patency times were 99 days (95% confidence interval [CI], 58-140 days) and 73 days (95% CI, 60-86 days), respectively. Fourteen (25.5%) of the fifty-five patients presented with biliary stent dysfunction due to sludge (n = 11), tumor overgrowth (n = 1), collapse of the long biliary stent by a subsequently inserted additional duodenal stent (n = 1), or rapidly progressed duodenal cancer (n = 1). A univariate Cox proportional hazards model did not reveal any independent predictor of biliary stent patency.

CONCLUSIONS

Percutaneous insertion of a subsequent biliary stent was technically feasible after duodenal stent insertion. Percutaneous insertion of a long-covered biliary stent was safe and effective in patients with malignant duodenobiliary stricture.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT

In patients with malignant duodenobiliary stricture, percutaneous insertion of a long-covered biliary stent was safe and effective regardless of duodenal stent placement.

KEY POINTS

• Percutaneous insertion of long-covered biliary stents in patients with malignant duodenobiliary stricture is a safe and effective procedure. • Biliary stent deployment was technically successful in all 57 patients and successful internal drainage was achieved in 55 (96.5%) of 57 patients. • The median patient survival and stent patency times were 99 days and 73 days, respectively, after placement of a long-covered biliary stent in patients with duodenobiliary stricture.

A Systematic Review of Endoscopic Treatments for Concomitant Malignant Biliary Obstruction and Malignant Gastric Outlet Obstruction and the Outstanding Role of Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Therapies

BACKGROUND

The treatments for cancer palliation in patients with concomitant malignant biliary obstruction (MBO) and gastric outlet obstruction (MGOO) are still under investigation due to the lack of evidence available in the medical literature. We performed a systematic search and critical review to investigate efficacy and safety among patients with MBO and MGOO undergoing both endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage (EUS-BD) and MGOO endoscopic treatment.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was performed in PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library. EUS-BD included both transduodenal and transgastric techniques. Treatment of MGOO included duodenal stenting or EUS-GEA (gastroenteroanastomosis). Outcomes of interest were technical success, clinical success, and rate of adverse events (AEs) in patients undergoing double treatment in the same session or within one week.

RESULTS

11 studies were included in the systematic review for a total number of 337 patients, 150 of whom had concurrent MBO and MGOO treatment, fulfilling the time criteria. MGOO was treated by duodenal stenting (self-expandable metal stents) in 10 studies, and in one study by EUS-GEA. EUS-BD had a mean technical success of 96.4% (CI 95%, 92.18-98.99) and a mean clinical success of 84.96% (CI 95%, 67.99-96.26). The average frequency of AEs for EUS-BD was 28.73% (CI 95%, 9.12-48.33). Clinical success for duodenal stenting was 90% vs. 100% for EUS-GEA.

CONCLUSIONS

EUS-BD could become the preferred drainage in the case of double endoscopic treatment of concomitant MBO and MGOO in the near future, with the promising EUS-GEA becoming a valid option for MGOO treatment in these patients.

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.

Resolution of malignant biliary obstruction using endoscopic ultrasound-guided transmural drainage in a patient with unresectable pancreatic carcinoma complicated by a large cyst

Highlight In this report of a rare case of obstructive jaundice caused by dilatation of cancerous gland ducts associated with advanced pancreatic cancer, Ryozawa and colleagues describe their method of endoscopic ultrasound-guided transmural drainage with a lumen-apposing metal stent as a novel treatment option for malignant biliary obstruction.

Morphological study of the gastrointestinal tract around the ligament of Treitz using upper gastrointestinal radiography: Fundamental data for EUS-guided gastrojejunostomy

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

We developed EUS-guided double-balloon occluded gastrojejunostomy (EPASS) for gastric drainage tract obstruction. The success of EPASS depends on the proximity of the stomach and the gastrointestinal (GI) tract near the ligament of Treitz. The aim of this study is to clarify the GI anatomy near the ligament of Treitz.

METHODS

One thousand and sixteen cases imaged upper GI radiography using barium were retrospectively evaluated. Morphologically, the GI tract running near the ligament of Treitz was divided in three types: Type I: The 4th portion of the duodenum (D4) approaches the stomach; Type II: D4 does not approach the stomach; Type III: D4 forms a loop to the jejunum. The minimum distance between the stomach and the GI tract near the ligament of Treitz was measured.

RESULTS

Based on the morphological classification, 74.6% in the study group was classified in Type I, 22.0% in Type II, and 3.3% in Type III, respectively. The median minimum distance in Type II/III group were significantly longer, compared with the Type I (P < .01).

CONCLUSIONS

The GI anatomy near the ligament of Treitz was clarified using upper GI radiography. It is divided into three patterns, and one-fourth of cases may have difficulty in EUS-guided gastrojejunostomy.

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.

Relief of biliary obstruction: choosing between endoscopic ultrasound and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) was originally devised as a novel diagnostic technique to enable endoscopists to stage malignancies and acquire tissue. However, it rapidly advanced toward therapeutic applications and has provided gastroenterologists with the ability to effectively treat and manage advanced diseases in a minimally invasive manner. EUS-guided biliary drainage (EUS-BD) has gained considerable attention as an approach to provide relief in malignant and benign biliary obstruction for patients when endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) fails or is not feasible. Such instances occur in those with surgically altered anatomy, gastroduodenal obstruction, periampullary diverticulum or prior transampullary duodenal stenting. While ERCP remains the gold standard, a multitude of studies are showing that EUS-BD can be used as an alternative modality even in patients who could successfully undergo ERCP. This review will shed light on recent EUS-guided advancements and techniques in malignant and benign biliary obstruction.

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

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

The Dramatic Haemostatic Effect of Covered Self-expandable Metallic Stents for Duodenal and Biliary Bleeding

Bilio-duodenal bleeding, such as post-endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) bleeding, common bile duct (CBD) bleeding after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), and duodenal bleeding due to malignant tumour invasion, can sometimes become severe. Six cases of refractory bilio-duodenal bleeding were stanched via covered self-expandable metallic stent (CSEMS) insertion, even though three of the patients had a history of gastrectomy. The dumbbell-shaped CSEMS was useful for managing post-EST bleeding. Additional duodenal CSEMS insertion was useful for the patient who had previously undergone uncovered SEMS insertion, and no migration of the CSEMS was observed. CSEMS insertion was useful for treating refractory bilio-duodenal haemorrhaging.

Urgent and early EUS-guided biliary drainage in patients with acute cholangitis

Background and Objectives:

EUS-guided biliary drainage (EUS-BD) has been reported as an effective alternative drainage technique. However, clinical data on EUS-BD for patients with acute cholangitis (AC) are limited. The aim of this study was to analyze the clinical outcomes of EUS-BD in patients with AC.

Patients and Methods:

Nineteen patients with AC who underwent urgent or early drainage (within 96 h) by EUS-guided hepaticoenterostomy (EUS-HES) between January 2014 and November 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Furthermore, the clinical outcomes of EUS-HES using a plastic stent in the AC group (n = 15) were compared to those in the non-AC group (n = 88).

Results:

In the 19 AC cases, the technical and clinical success rate was 100% with 5.3% of moderate adverse events (biliary peritonitis [n = 1]). Regarding the comparison between the AC group and the non-AC group, the clinical success rate was 100% in both groups and the adverse event rate was not statistically significantly different (P = 0.88). Although the recurrent biliary obstruction (RBO) rate was not statistically significantly different (P = 0.43), the early RBO rate was statistically significantly higher in the AC group (26.7% vs. 3.4%, P < 0.001). Kaplan–Meier curves showed that AC was associated with a shorter time to RBO (P = 0.046). The presence of AC was found to be an independent risk factor of early RBO (odds ratio = 10.3; P = 0.005).

Conclusions:

Urgent or early biliary drainage (within 96 h) by EUS-BD can be a feasible and safe alternative procedure for patients with AC, although there is a tendency of early RBO.

Endoscopic Ultrasonography-Guided Gastroenterostomy Techniques for Treatment of Malignant Gastric Outlet Obstruction

Gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) can be caused by periampullary malignancies and often leads to a reduction in a patient’s quality of life. Recently, endoscopic ultrasonography-guided gastroenterostomy (EUS-GE) using a lumen-apposing self-expandable metal stent (LAMS) has been developed as a minimally invasive and durable endoscopic treatment for GOO. There are three types of EUS-GE technique: (1) the direct technique; (2) device-assisted techniques, such as a balloon catheter, nasobiliary drainage tube, and ultraslim endoscopy; and (3) EUS-guided double balloon-occluded gastrojejunostomy bypass. Previous reports of EUS-GE with LAMS have shown technical and clinical success rates (regardless of technique and etiology) of 87%–100% and 84%–100%, respectively. Studies comparing EUS-GE and surgical gastrojejunostomy have shown similar success rates, reintervention rates, and cost benefits, with a lower rate of early adverse events in EUS-GE. A comparison of EUS-GE and endoscopic enteral stent placement revealed similar technical success rates, but initial clinical success rate was higher and the rate of stent failure requiring reintervention was lower with EUS-GE.

International consensus statements for endoscopic management of distal biliary stricture

Distal biliary strictures (DBS) are common and may be caused by both malignant and benign pathologies. While endoscopic procedures play a major role in their management, a comprehensive review of the subject is still lacking. Our consensus statements were formulated by a group of expert Asian pancreatico-biliary interventional endoscopists, following a proposal from the Digestive Endoscopy Society of Taiwan, the Thai Association for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, and the Tokyo Conference of Asian Pancreato-biliary Interventional Endoscopy. Based on a literature review utilizing Medline, Cochrane library, and Embase databases, a total of 19 consensus statements on DBS were made on diagnosis, endoscopic drainage, benign biliary stricture, malignant biliary stricture, and management of recurrent biliary obstruction and other complications. Our consensus statements provide comprehensive guidance for the endoscopic management of DBS.

EUS-guided biliary drainage versus ERCP for first-line palliation of malignant distal biliary obstruction: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with transpapillary metal stenting is the standard palliation method for malignant distal biliary obstruction (MDBO); however, post-ERCP pancreatitis are not uncommon. Endoscopic ultrasonography-guided biliary drainage (EUS-BD) with transmural metal stenting has emerged as an option for primary palliation of MDBO. We compared the efficacy and safety of these procedures as first-line MDBO treatment. We searched for relevant English-language articles in PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases. The outcomes of interest were technical success, clinical success, adverse events, stent patency, reintervention rates, and procedure time. Subgroup analysis was performed for patients without duodenal invasion (eg, endoscopically accessible papilla; EUS-choledochoduodenostomy [CDS] vs. ERCP). Ten studies (3 randomized trials and 7 retrospective studies) with 756 patients were included. The cumulative technical and clinical success rates were high for both procedures (EUS-BD: 94.8% [294/310] and 93.8% [286/305], ERCP: 96.5% [386/400] and 95.7% [377/394]). The cumulative adverse event rates were 16.3% (54/331) for EUS-BD and 18.3% (78/425) for ERCP. In subgroup analysis for patients without duodenal invasion, EUS-CDS showed similar cumulative technical and clinical success rate with ERCP (technical success rate, EUS-CDS vs. ERCP: 94.2% [146/155] vs. 97.8% [237/242]; clinical success rate, EUS-CDS vs. ERCP: 94.2% [145/154] vs. 93.0% [225/242]). The cumulative rate of adverse events for EUS-CDS and ERCP was also comparable (15.5% [24/155] for EUS-CDS and 18.6% [45/242] for ERCP). As first-line palliation of MDBO, EUS-BD was similar to ERCP in technical and clinical success and safety; however, larger randomized trials comparing EUS-CDS and ERCP in this setting with endoscopically accessible papilla may be required.

Review of Simultaneous Double Stenting Using Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Biliary Drainage Techniques in Combined Gastric Outlet and Biliary Obstructions

Concomitant malignant gastric outlet obstruction and biliary obstruction may occur in patients with advanced cancers affecting these anatomical regions. This scenario presents a unique challenge to the endoscopist in selecting an optimal management approach. We sought to determine the efficacy and safety of endoscopic techniques for treating simultaneous gastric outlet and biliary obstruction (GOBO) with endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) guidance for biliary drainage. An extensive literature search for peer-reviewed published cases yielded 6 unique case series that either focused on or included the use of EUS-guided biliary drainage (EUS-BD) with simultaneous gastroduodenal stenting. In our composite analysis, a total of 51 patients underwent simultaneous biliary drainage through EUS, with an overall reported technical success rate of 100% for both duodenal stenting and biliary drainage. EUS-guided choledochoduodenostomy or EUS-guided hepaticogastrostomy was employed as the initial technique. In 34 cases in which clinical success was ascribed, 100% derived clinical benefit. The common adverse effects of double stenting included cholangitis, stent migration, bleeding, food impaction, and pancreatitis. We conclude that simultaneous double stenting with EUS-BD and gastroduodenal stenting for GOBO is associated with high success rates. It is a feasible and practical alternative to percutaneous biliary drainage or surgery for palliation in patients with associated advanced malignancies.

Success and safety of endoscopic treatments for concomitant biliary and duodenal malignant stenosis: A review of the literature

Synchronous biliary and duodenal malignant obstruction is a challenging endoscopic scenario in patients affected with ampullary, peri-ampullary, and pancreatic head neoplasia. Surgical bypass is no longer the gold-standard therapy for these patients, as simultaneous endoscopic biliary and duodenal stenting is currently a feasible and widely used technique, with a high technical success in expert hands. In recent years, endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) has evolved from a diagnostic to a therapeutic procedure, and is now increasingly used to guide biliary drainage, especially in cases of failed endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). The advent of lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMS) has expanded EUS therapeutic options, and changed the management of synchronous bilioduodenal stenosis. The most recent literature regarding endoscopic treatments for synchronous biliary and duodenal malignant stenosis has been reviewed to determine the best endoscopic approach, also considering the advent of an interventional EUS approach using LAMS.

Endoscopic Management of Combined Biliary and Duodenal Obstruction

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

Outcomes of endoscopic biliary drainage in pancreatic cancer patients with an indwelling gastroduodenal stent: a multicenter cohort study in West Japan

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Gastroduodenal and biliary obstruction may occur synchronously or asynchronously in advanced pancreatic cancer, and endoscopic double stent placement may be required. EUS-guided biliary drainage (EUS-BD) often is performed after unsuccessful placement of an endoscopic transpapillary stent (ETS), and EUS-BD may be beneficial in double stent placement. This retrospective multicenter cohort study compared the outcomes of ETS placement and EUS-BD in patients with an indwelling gastroduodenal stent (GDS).

METHODS

We recorded the clinical outcomes of patients at 5 tertiary-care medical centers who required biliary drainage after GDS placement between March 2009 and March 2014.

RESULTS

Thirty-nine patients were included in this study. Patients' mean age was 68.5 years; 23 (59.0%) were men. The GDS overlay the papilla in 23 patients (59.0%). The overall technical success rate was significantly higher with EUS-BD (95.2%) than with ETS placement (56.0%; P < .01). Furthermore, the technical success rate was significantly higher with EUS-BD (93.3%) than with ETS placement (22.2%; P < .01) when the GDS overlies the papilla. The overall clinical success rate of EUS-BD also was significantly higher than for ETS placement (90.5% vs 52.0%, respectively; P = .01), and there was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse events (ETS, 32.0% vs EUS-BD, 42.9%; P = .65).

CONCLUSION

Endoscopic double stent placement with EUS-BD is technically and clinically superior to ETS placement in patients with an indwelling GDS. EUS-BD should be considered the first-line treatment option for patients with an indwelling GDS that overlies the papilla. ETS placement remains a reasonable alternative when the papilla is not covered by the GDS.

Covered duodenal self-expandable metal stents prolong biliary stent patency in double stenting: The largest series of bilioduodenal obstruction

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Endoscopic biliary and duodenal stenting (DS; double stenting) is widely accepted as a palliation therapy for malignant bilioduodenal obstruction. The aim of the current study was to investigate the patency and adverse events of duodenal and biliary stents in patients with DS.

METHODS

Patients who underwent DS from April 2004 to March 2017 were analyzed retrospectively with regard to clinical outcomes and predictive factors of recurrent biliary and duodenal obstruction (recurrent biliary obstruction [RBO] and recurrent duodenal obstruction [RDO]).

RESULTS

A total of 109 consecutive patients was enrolled. Technical success of DS was achieved in 108 patients (99.1%). Symptoms due to biliary and duodenal obstruction were improved in 89 patients (81.7%). RBO occurred in 25 patients (22.9%) and RDO in 13 (11.9%). The median times to RBO and RDO from DS were 87 and 76 days, respectively. Placement of a duodenal uncovered self-expandable metal stent (U-SEMS) was significantly associated with RBO in the multivariable analysis (P = 0.007). Time to RBO was significantly longer in the duodenal covered self-expandable metal stent group than in the U-SEMS group (P = 0.003). No predictive factors of RDO were detected, and duodenal stent type was not associated with the time to RDO (P = 0.724).

CONCLUSIONS

Double stenting was safe and effective for malignant bilioduodenal obstruction. Duodenal U-SEMS is a risk factor for RBO. The covered self-expandable metal stent is the preferred type of duodenal SEMS in patients with DS (Clinical trial registration number: UMIN000027606).

Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Rendezvous Technique for Failed Biliary Cannulation in Benign and Resectable Malignant Biliary Disorders

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided rendezvous technique (EUS-RV) has emerged as an effective salvage method for unsuccessful biliary cannulation. However, its application for benign and resectable malignant biliary disorders has not been fully evaluated.

AIMS

To assess the efficacy and safety of EUS-RV for benign and resectable malignant biliary disorders.

METHODS

This was a multicenter prospective study from 12 Japanese referral centers. Patients who underwent EUS-RV after failed biliary cannulation for biliary disorder were candidates for this study. Inclusion criteria were unsuccessful biliary cannulation for therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with benign and potentially resectable malignant biliary obstruction. Exclusion criteria included unresectable malignant biliary obstruction, inaccessible papillae due to surgically altered upper gastrointestinal anatomy or duodenal stricture, and previous sphincterotomy and/or biliary stent placement. The primary outcome was the technical success rate of biliary cannulation; procedure time, adverse events, and clinical outcomes were secondary outcomes.

RESULTS

Twenty patients were prospectively enrolled. The overall technical success rate and median procedure time were 85% and 33 min, respectively. Guidewire manipulation using a 4-Fr tapered tip catheter contributed to the success in advancing the guidewire into the duodenum. Adverse events were identified in 15% patients, including 2 with biliary peritonitis and 1 mild pancreatitis. EUS-RV did not affect surgical maneuvers or complications associated with surgery, or postoperative course.

CONCLUSIONS

EUS-RV may be a safe and feasible salvage method for unsuccessful biliary cannulation for benign or resectable malignant biliary disorders. Use of a 4-Fr tapered tip catheter may improve the overall EUS-RV success rate.

International study of endoscopic management of distal malignant biliary obstruction combined with duodenal obstruction

OBJECTIVE

Endoscopic transpapillary or endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided stent placement is used for nonresectable distal malignant biliary obstruction. We conducted a retrospective study to evaluate endoscopic biliary drainage in patients with duodenal obstruction.

METHODS

We included consecutive patients who underwent endoscopic biliary drainage combined with a duodenal stent at 16 referral centers in four Asian countries. The primary outcome was time to recurrent biliary obstruction (TRBO). We assessed TRBO according to the sequence of biliary and duodenal obstruction (group 1/2/3, biliary obstruction first/concurrent/duodenal obstruction first, respectively) or the location of duodenal obstruction (type I/II/III, proximal to/affecting/distal to the ampulla, respectively). We also evaluated functional success and adverse events.

RESULTS

We included 110 patients (group1/2/3, 67/29/14 patients; type I/II/III, 45/46/19 patients; endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography [ERCP]/EUS-guided choledocoduodenostomy/EUS-guided hepaticogastrostomy, 90/10/10 patients, respectively). The median TRBO of all cases was 450 days (interquartile range, 212-666 days) and functional success was achieved in 105 cases (95%). The TRBO did not differ significantly by the timing or location of duodenal obstruction (p = .30 and .79, respectively). The TRBO of metal stents (n = 96) tended to be longer compared with plastic stents (n = 14, p = .083). Compared with ERCP, EUS-guided biliary drainage was associated with a higher rate of adverse events.

CONCLUSION

Transpapillary or transmural endoscopic biliary drainage with a duodenal stent was effective, irrespective of the timing or location of duodenal obstruction. A prospective study is required considering the tradeoff of technical success rate, stent patency, and adverse events (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02376907).

Long-term outcomes and risk factors of biliary stent dysfunction after endoscopic double stenting for malignant biliary and duodenal obstructions

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Few reports describe the endoscopic double-stenting procedure for malignant biliary and duodenal obstructions. We evaluated the clinical outcomes from double stenting, and analyzed the risk factors for biliary stent dysfunction following double stenting.

METHODS

Eighty-one patients who underwent endoscopic double stenting for malignant biliary and duodenal obstructions were retrospectively analyzed. We determined the stent dysfunction rate and the biliary stent dysfunction risk factors, and analyzed the endoscopic reintervention results.

RESULTS

Overall survival time and survival time following double stenting were 365 (38-1673) days and 73 (20-954) days, respectively. After double stenting, the 3-month and 6-month duodenal stent dysfunction rates were 14% and 41%, respectively. Reintervention technical success rate was 100% (10/10), and mean gastric outlet obstruction scoring system scores improved from 0.7 to 2.4 points (P < 0.001). The 3-month and 6-month biliary stent dysfunction rates were 26% and 41%, respectively. The reintervention technical and clinical success rates were 95% (20/21) and 81% (17/21), respectively. Risk factors for biliary stent dysfunction following double stenting were events associated with duodenal stent dysfunction (odds ratio [OR], 11.1; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.09-87.4; P = 0.0044) and the biliary stent end's location (OR, 6.93; 95% CI, 1.37-40.2; P = 0.0019).

CONCLUSIONS

Some patients had stent dysfunction irrespective of the survival period after double stenting. Endoscopic reintervention was technically feasible and clinically effective even after double stenting. Duodenal stent dysfunction and biliary stent end's location were risk factors for biliary stent dysfunction.

Covered versus uncovered metal stents for malignant gastric outlet obstruction: Systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Self-expandable metal stents (SEMS) are used for non-resectable malignant gastric outlet obstruction (GOO). Studies of covered versus uncovered SEMS have yielded inconsistent results as a result of heterogeneity in design and patient population. We carried out a meta-analysis to compare covered and uncovered gastroduodenal SEMS.

METHODS

Using MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane database, we identified 1624 patients from 13 prospective and retrospective studies that evaluated covered and uncovered SEMS for malignant GOO and were published until October 2016. We pooled data on SEMS dysfunction, technical and clinical success, and adverse events using the fixed-effect or random-effects model.

RESULTS

Compared with uncovered SEMS, covered SEMS did not show any significant difference in stent dysfunction risk (risk ratio [RR], 1.02; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.79-1.32). A subgroup analysis of five randomized trials suggested a trend toward a lower dysfunction risk in covered SEMS (RR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.45-0.88). Covered SEMS were associated with a lower occlusion risk (RR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.28-0.68), but with a higher migration risk (RR, 4.28; 95% CI, 2.89-6.34). Technical and clinical success rates were comparable between the groups. Overall adverse events tended to be more frequent in covered SEMS (RR, 1.75; 95% CI, 1.09-2.83).

CONCLUSIONS

Outcomes of covered and uncovered gastroduodenal SEMS were comparable, although the lower dysfunction rate of covered SEMS observed in the analysis of randomized trials needs further investigation. Antimigration mechanisms for covered SEMS and identification of patients who can achieve longer patency from uncovered SEMS would help improve the outcomes of gastroduodenal SEMS.

Endoscopic management of combined malignant biliary and gastric outlet obstruction

Patients with periampullary cancer or gastric cancer often develop malignant biliary obstruction (MBO) and gastric outlet obstruction (GOO), and combined MBO and GOO is not rare in these patients. Combined MBO and GOO is classified by its location and sequence, and treatment strategy can be affected by this classification. Historically, palliative surgery, hepaticojejunostomy and gastrojejunostomy were carried out, but the current standard treatment is combined transpapillary stent and duodenal stent placement. Although a high technical success rate is reported, the procedure can be technically difficult and duodenobiliary reflux with subsequent cholangitis is common after double stenting. Recent development of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided procedures enables the management of MBO as well as GOO under EUS guidance. EUS-guided biliary drainage is now increasingly reported as an alternative to percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage in failed endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), and GOO is one of the major reasons for failed ERCP. In addition to EUS-guided biliary drainage, the feasibility of EUS-guided double-balloon-occluded gastrojejunostomy bypass for MBO was recently reported, and EUS-guided double stenting can potentially become the treatment of choice in the future. However, as each procedure has its advantages and disadvantages, treatment strategy should be selected based on the type of obstruction and the prognosis and performance status of the patient.

Palliation With Endoscopic Metal Stents May Be Preferable to Surgical Intervention for Patients With Obstructive Pancreatic Head Adenocarcinoma

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of endoscopically placed metal stents in comparison with operative procedures, in patients with obstructive pancreatic head cancer. Endoscopic stenting techniques and materials for gastrointestinal malignancies are constantly improving. Despite this evolution, many still consider operative procedures to be the gold standard for palliation in patients with unresectable obstructive pancreatic head cancer. This is a retrospective study of 52 patients who were diagnosed with obstructive (biliary, duodenal, or both) adenocarcinoma of the pancreatic head. Twenty-nine patients (endoscopy group) underwent endoscopic stenting. Eleven patients (bypass group) underwent biliodigestive bypass. Twelve patients (Whipple group) underwent Whipple operation with curative intent; however, histopathology revealed R1 resection (palliative Whipple). T4 disease was identified in 13 (44.8%), 7 (63.6%), and 3 (25%) patients in the endoscopy, bypass, and Whipple groups, respectively. Metastatic disease was present only in the endoscopy group (n = 12; 41.3%). There was no intervention-related mortality. Median survival was 280 days [95% confidence interval (95% CI), 103, 456 days], 157 days (95% CI, 0, 411 days), and 647 days (95% CI, 300, 993 days) for the endoscopy, bypass, and Whipple groups, respectively (P = 0.111). In patients with obstructive pancreatic head cancer, endoscopic stenting may offer equally good palliation compared with surgical double bypass. The numerically (not statistically) better survival after palliative Whipple might be explained by the smaller tumor burden in this subgroup of patients and not by the superior efficacy of this operation.

Malignant biliary obstruction: From palliation to treatment

Malignant obstruction of the bile duct from cholangiocarcinoma, pancreatic adenocarcinoma, or other tumors is a common problem which may cause debilitating symptoms and increase the risk of subsequent surgery. The optimal treatment - including the decision whether to treat prior to resection - depends on the type of malignancy, as well as the stage of disease. Preoperative biliary drainage is generally discouraged due to the risk of infectious complications, though some situations may benefit. Patients who require neoadjuvant therapy will require decompression for the prolonged period until attempted surgical cure. For pancreatic cancer patients, self-expanding metallic stents are superior to plastic stents for achieving lasting decompression without stent occlusion. For cholangiocarcinoma patients, treatment with percutaneous methods or nasobiliary drainage may be superior to endoscopic stent placement, with less risk of infectious complications or failure. For patients of either malignancy who have advanced disease with palliative goals only, the choice of stent for endoscopic decompression depends on estimated survival, with plastic stents favored for survival of < 4 mo. New endoscopic techniques may actually extend stent patency and patient survival for these patients by achieving local control of the obstructing tumor. Both photodynamic therapy and radiofrequency ablation may play a role in extending survival of patients with malignant biliary obstruction.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided antegrade treatment of bile duct stone in patients with surgically altered anatomy: a multicenter retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for management of bile duct stone (BDS) in patients with surgically altered anatomy is challenging even when applying enteroscopy. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided antegrade treatments (EUS-AG) for BDS have been developed but have not been well studied yet. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the feasibility and safety of EUS-AG for BDS in patients with surgically altered anatomy as a multicenter retrospective cohort study.

METHODS

A retrospective database analysis was performed to identify patients with surgically altered anatomy who underwent EUS-AG for the management of BDS at four academic care centers. Basic characteristics of the patients and details of the procedures were determined and the success rates and adverse event rates were evaluated.

RESULTS

EUS-AG for BDS was attempted in 29 patients. Successful BDS removal was achieved in 72% (21/29) of patients. Reasons for failed EUS-AG were unsuccessful bile duct puncture in six, unsuccessful guidewire manipulation in one, and unsuccessful stone removal using a retrieval balloon in one. Adverse events occurred in five (17%) but were successfully managed conservatively.

CONCLUSION

EUS-AG for BDS is a feasible and safe alternative in patients with surgically altered anatomy, although further evaluation and development of dedicated devices are needed.

Type of Combined Endoscopic Biliary and Gastroduodenal Stenting Is Significant for Biliary Route Maintenance

Objective Some patients with malignant gastric outlet obstruction require combined biliary and gastroduodenal stenting (double stenting). However, biliary stent dysfunction can often disturb biliary route maintenance, thus making the optimal biliary stenting for these patients unclear. The present study was designed to assess the factors associated with the long-term maintenance of biliary drainage routes. Methods The clinical features and long-term outcomes were assessed in patients who underwent double stenting. Patients The outcomes were reviewed in 43 consecutive patients who successfully underwent endoscopic double stenting with metallic stents. Results An univariate analysis of all patients with biliary stent dysfunction showed the separate type of double stenting (two stents placed in a non-crossed position) to be the only predictive factor related to successful biliary re-intervention for stent dysfunction (odds ratio 73.67, p=0.001). A comparison of the clinical features in patients who underwent separate and cross (two stents placed in a crossed position) stenting showed the functional success rate to be higher for the separate (93.3%) than for the cross (61.5%) stent type, with the median times to biliary stent dysfunction differing significantly (330 vs. 298 days, respectively; p=0.048). The success rates of re-intervention in patients with separate and cross type stents were 88.9% and 0.0%, respectively (p=0.001), and the initial biliary route maintenance rates were 96.7% and 53.8%, respectively (p=0.002). Conclusion The separate type of double stenting may enhance successful biliary re-intervention for stent dysfunction and also maintain the initial drainage route longer. The biliary drainage outcomes should therefore be considered when choosing the type of double stenting.

Palliation double stenting for malignant biliary and duodenal obstruction

The surgical management of patients with malignant biliary and duodenal obstruction is complex. Tumor excision is no longer possible in the majority of patients with malignant obstructive jaundice and duodenal obstruction. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of intraluminal dual stent placement in malignant biliary and duodenal obstruction. In total, 20 patients with malignant obstructive jaundice and duodenal obstruction, including 6 with pancreatic carcinoma, 11 with cholangiocarcinoma, 1 with duodenal carcinoma and 2 with abdominal lymph node metastasis, were treated with intraluminal stent placement. Bile duct obstruction with late occurrence of duodenal obstruction was observed in 16 cases, and duodenal obstruction followed by a late occurrence of bile duct obstruction was observed in 3 cases, while, in 1 case, bile duct obstruction and duodenal obstruction occurred simultaneously. After X-ray fluoroscopy revealed obstruction in the bile duct and duodenum, stents were placed into the respective lumens. Percutaneous transhepatic placement was employed for the biliary stent, while the duodenal stent was placed perioraly. The clinical outcomes, including complications associated with the procedures and patency of the stents, were evaluated. The biliary and duodenal stents were successfully implanted in 18 patients and the technical success rate was 90% (18/20). A total of 39 stents were implanted in 20 patients. In 2 cases, duodenal stent placement failed following biliary stent placement. Duodenal obstruction remitted in 15 patients, and 1 patient succumbed to aspiration pneumonia 5 days after the procedure. No severe complications were observed in any other patient. The survival time of the 18 patients was 5-21 months (median, 9.6 months), and 6 of those patients survived for >12 months. The present study suggests that X-ray fluoroscopy-guided intraluminal stent implantation is an effective procedure for the treatment of malignant biliary and duodenal obstruction.

Endoscopic Ultrasound-Assisted Pancreaticobiliary Access

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is the primary approach to drain an obstructed pancreatic or biliary duct. Failed biliary drainage is traditionally referred for percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage or surgical bypass, which carry significantly higher morbidity and mortality rates compared with ERCP and transpapillary drainage. Endoscopic ultrasound provides a real-time imaging platform to access and deliver therapy to organs and tissues outside of the bowel lumen. The bile and pancreatic ducts can be directly accessed from the stomach and duodenum, offering an alternative to ERCP when this fails or is not feasible.

Hepatobiliary complications of alveolar echinococcosis: A long-term follow-up study

AIM: To determine the long-term hepatobiliary complications of alveolar echinococcosis (AE) and treatment options using interventional methods.

METHODS: Included in the study were 35 patients with AE enrolled in the Echinococcus Multilocularis Data Bank of the University Hospital of Ulm. Patients underwent endoscopic intervention for treatment of hepatobiliary complications between 1979 and 2012. Patients’ epidemiologic data, clinical symptoms, and indications for the intervention, the type of intervention and any additional procedures, hepatic laboratory parameters (pre- and post-intervention), medication and surgical treatment (pre- and post-intervention), as well as complications associated with the intervention and patients‘ subsequent clinical courses were analyzed. In order to compare patients with AE with and without history of intervention, data from an additional 322 patients with AE who had not experienced hepatobiliary complications and had not undergone endoscopic intervention were retrieved and analyzed.

RESULTS: Included in the study were 22 male and 13 female patients whose average age at first diagnosis was 48.1 years and 52.7 years at the time of intervention. The average time elapsed between first diagnosis and onset of hepatobiliary complications was 3.7 years. The most common symptoms were jaundice, abdominal pains, and weight loss. The number of interventions per patient ranged from one to ten. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) was most frequently performed in combination with stent placement (82.9%), followed by percutaneous transhepatic cholangiodrainage (31.4%) and ERCP without stent placement (22.9%). In 14.3% of cases, magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography was performed. A total of eight patients received a biliary stent. A comparison of biochemical hepatic function parameters at first diagnosis between patients who had or had not undergone intervention revealed that these were significantly elevated in six patients who had undergone intervention. Complications (cholangitis, pancreatitis) occurred in six patients during and in 12 patients following the intervention. The average survival following onset of hepatobiliary complications was 8.8 years.

CONCLUSION: Hepatobiliary complications occur in about 10% of patients. A significant increase in hepatic transaminase concentrations facilitates the diagnosis. Interventional methods represent viable management options.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage: a review

OPINION STATEMENT

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERCP) has become the standard tool for diagnosis and treatment of patients with biliary obstruction. However, despite the reported success rate of >90 % in expert centers, the common bile duct may still be occasionally inaccessible due to anatomical or technical issues. Over the past decade, endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage (EUS-BD) has emerged as an effective alternative over percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) or surgical bypass for biliary drainage after unsuccessful ERCP. EUS-BD includes rendezvous techniques (EUS-RV), EUS-guided choledochoduodenostomy (EUS-CDS), and EUS-guided hepatogastrostomy (EUS-HGS). Published data demonstrated high success rates especially for EUS-CDS and EUS-HGS. Complication rates, however, are also higher in these two techniques. The indications and anatomical requirements for the three techniques differ and should be considered complementary to each other. Most reported studies only included a small number of patients, and larger-scaled randomized trials are required to establish the efficacy among various EUS techniques and to compare to traditional means of radiological or surgical drainage.

Technical tips of endoscopic ultrasound-guided choledochoduodenostomy

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is clinically useful not only as a diagnostic tool during EUS-guided fine needle aspiration, but also during interventional EUS. EUS-guided biliary drainage has been developed and performed by experienced endoscopists. EUS-guided choledocoduodenostomy (EUS-CDS) is relatively well established as an alternative biliary drainage method for biliary decompression in patients with biliary obstruction. The reported technical success rate of EUS-CDS ranges from 50% to 100%, and the clinical success rate ranges from 92% to 100%. Further, the over-all technical success rate was 93%, and clinical success rate was 98%. Based on the currently available literature, the overall adverse event rate for EUS-CDS is 16%. The data on the cumulative technical and clinical success rate for EUS-CDS is promising. However, EUS-CDS can still lead to several problems, so techniques or devices that are more feasible and safe need to be established. EUS-CDS has the potential to become a first-line biliary drainage procedure, although standardizing the technique in multicenter clinical trials and comparisons with endoscopic biliary drainage by randomized clinical trials are still needed.

Is concomitant radiotherapy necessary with gemcitabine-based chemotherapy in pancreatic cancer?

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of gemcitabine (GEM) plus radiotherapy compared with GEM alone for pancreatic cancer (PC).

METHODS: A systematic search for eligible studies comparing gemcitabine plus radiotherapy with gemcitabine alone for PC was performed using MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library. A quality assessment was performed in each study. Meta-analyses were performed to study the pooled effects of relative risk with 95% confidence interval (CI).

RESULTS: A total of 336 participants from four original studies were included. Gemcitabine plus radiotherapy resulted in comparable overall survival (HR = 0.84, 95%CI: 0.53-1.34, P = 0.48) and progress free survival (HR = 0.99, 95%CI: 0.97-1.01, P = 0.36) to gemcitabine alone. Moreover, concomitant radiotherapy was associated with a significantly higher incidence of severe (grade 3 or greater) toxicities, mainly anemia, leukocytopenia, thrombocytopenia, anorexia, nausea/vomiting, and asthenia/fatigue.

CONCLUSION: Radiotherapy is not beneficial with gemcitabine-based chemotherapy for PC. Further exploration for better radiotherapy approaches and therapeutic regimens for the treatment of PC is warranted.

Endoscopic bilio-duodenal bypass: outcomes of primary and revision efficacy of combined metallic stents in malignant duodenal and biliary obstructions

BACKGROUND

Self-expandable metal stents (SEMSs) can be used for palliation of combined malignant biliary and duodenal obstructions. However, the results of the concomitant stent placement for the duration of the patients' lives, as well as the need for and efficacy of endoscopic revision, are unclear.

AIM

This study evaluated the clinical effectiveness of SEMS placement for combined biliary and duodenal obstructions throughout the patients' lives and the need for endoscopic revision.

METHODS

This study is a retrospective multicenter study of 50 consecutive patients who underwent simultaneous or sequential SEMS placement for malignant biliary and duodenal obstructions. The data were collected to analyze the sustained relief of obstructive symptoms until the patients' death and the efficacy of endoscopic revision, as well as stent patency, adverse events, survival and prognostic factors for stent patency.

RESULTS

Technical and immediate clinical success was achieved in all of the patients. Duodenal stricture occurred before the papilla in 35 patients (70 %), involved the papilla in 11 patients (22 %) and was observed distal to the papilla in four patients (8 %). Initial biliary stenting was performed endoscopically in 42 patients (84 %) and percutaneously in eight patients. After combined stenting, 30 patients (60 %) required no additional intervention until the time of their death. The remaining 20 patients were successfully treated using endoscopic stent reinsertion: nine patients needed biliary revision, three patients needed duodenal restenting and eight patients needed both biliary and duodenal reinsertion. The median duodenal stent patency and median biliary stent patency were 34 and 27 weeks, respectively. The median survival after combined stent placement was 18 weeks. A Cox multivariate analysis showed that duodenal stent obstruction after combined stenting was a risk factor for biliary stent obstruction (hazard ratio 6.85; 95 % confidence interval 1.43-198.98; P = 0.025).

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic bilio-duodenal bypass is clinically effective, and the majority of the patients need no additional intervention until their death. Endoscopic revision is feasible and has a high success rate.

Endoscopic ultrasonography-guided transhepatic antegrade stone removal in patients with surgically altered anatomy: case series and technical review (with videos)

Recently, endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS)-guided transhepatic antegrade interventions have been introduced in patients with a surgically altered anatomy. Herein, we focused on and reviewed EUS-guided transhepatic antegrade stone removal (EUS-TASR) in patients with a surgically altered anatomy and native papilla. The basic technique of EUS-TASR involves the following steps: (1) EUS-guided needle puncture; (2) guidewire placement; (3) tract dilation; (4) balloon sphincteroplasty; (5) stone removal; and (6) stent placement if needed. Based on reports in the literature including our cases, the complete stone extraction rate is 71.4% (10/14) including five of our cases (60% success rate) at one session without serious complications. In conclusion, EUS-TASR appears to be feasible and useful in selected patients although its application may be limited depending on anatomical factors and current devices used.

Managing malignant biliary obstruction in pancreas cancer: choosing the appropriate strategy

Most patients with pancreatic cancer develop malignant biliary obstruction. Treatment of obstruction is generally indicated to relieve symptoms and improve morbidity and mortality. First-line therapy consists of endoscopic biliary stent placement. Recent data comparing plastic stents to self-expanding metallic stents (SEMS) has shown improved patency with SEMS. The decision of whether to treat obstruction and the means for doing so depends on the clinical scenario. For patients with resectable disease, preoperative biliary decompression is only indicated when surgery will be delayed or complications of jaundice exist. For patients with locally advanced disease, self-expanding metal stents are superior to plastic stents for long-term patency. For patients with advanced disease, the choice of metallic or plastic stent depends on life expectancy. When endoscopic stent placement fails, percutaneous or surgical treatments are appropriate. Endoscopic therapy or surgical approach can be used to treat concomitant duodenal and biliary obstruction.

Surgical emergencies in oncology

An oncologic emergency is defined as an acute, potentially life threatening condition in a cancer patient that has developed as a result of the malignant disease or its treatment. Many oncologic emergencies are signs of advanced, end-stage malignant disease. Oncologic emergencies can be divided into medical or surgical. The literature was reviewed to construct a summary of potential surgical emergencies in oncology that any surgeon can be confronted with in daily practice, and to offer insight into the current approach for these wide ranged emergencies. Cancer patients can experience symptoms of obstruction of different structures and various causes. Obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract is the most frequent condition seen in surgical practice. Further surgical emergencies include infections due to immune deficiency, perforation of the gastrointestinal tract, bleeding events, and pathological fractures. For the institution of the appropriate treatment for any emergency, it is important to determine the underlying cause, since emergencies can be either benign or malignant of origin. Some emergencies are well managed with conservative or non-invasive treatment, whereas others require emergency surgery. The patient's performance status, cancer stage and prognosis, type and severity of the emergency, and the patient's wishes regarding invasiveness of treatment are essential during the decision making process for optimal management.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage: a review

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERCP) is widely used as a first-line therapy for biliary drainage. ERCP occasionally fails owing to anatomical or technical problems, despite high reported success rates. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage (EUS-BD) has recently emerged as an effective alternative biliary drainage method after unsuccessful ERCP. EUS-BD can be essentially divided into 3 different techniques—(1) EUS-guided transluminal biliary drainage including choledocoduodenostomy and hepaticogastrostomy, (2) EUS-rendezvous technique, and (3) EUS-antegrade approach. Here, we focus on the current status of EUS-BD in light of these 3 different techniques.