Classification, risk factors, and management of lumen apposing metal stent dysfunction during follow-up of endoscopic ultrasound-guided choledochoduodenostomy: Multicenter evaluation from the Leuven-Amsterdam-Milan Study Group

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided choledochoduodenostomy versus hepaticogastrostomy combined with gastroenterostomy in malignant double obstruction (CABRIOLET_Pro): A prospective comparative study

Objectives

Malignant double obstruction, defined as the simultaneous presence of biliary and gastric outlet obstruction, represents a challenging clinical scenario. Previous retrospective experiences have demonstrated shorter dysfunction-free survival (DyFS) of endoscopic ultrasound-guided choledochoduodenostomy (EUS-CDS) versus EUS-hepaticogastrostomy (EUS-HGS) in this setting, but no prospective evidence is available.

Methods

Twenty consecutive patients with malignant double obstruction, treated with EUS-gastroenterostomy (and EUS-guided biliary drainage, following a previously failed ERCP, were enrolled in a prospective observational study (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04813055) comparing EUS-CDS versus EUS-HGS. Efficacy and safety were evaluated, with Biliary Dysfunctions as the primary outcome and DyFS using Kaplan-Meier estimates as a primary measure.

Results

Twenty patients (75% with pancreatic cancer, 50% with metastatic disease) with EUS-gastroenterostomy were included (seven EUS-CDS and 13 EUS-HGS). No significant difference was detected at baseline. Technical success was 100% in both groups. EUS-CDS compared to EUS-HGS showed similar clinical success (100% vs. 92.3%, p = 0.5), a higher rate of post-procedural adverse events (42.9% vs. 7.7%, p = 0.067, mostly related to severe/fatal cholangitis in the EUS-CDS group) and a higher rate of biliary dysfunctions during follow-up (71.4% vs. 16.7%, p = 0.002).DyFS was significantly shorter in the EUS-CDS group (39 [15-62] vs. 268 [192-344] days, p = 0.0023), with a 30-days DyFS probability of 57.1% vs. 100% (hazard ratio = 7.8 [1.4-44.2]).

Conclusions

In this prospective comparison of patients with malignant double obstruction undergoing EUS-gastroenterostomy, treating jaundice with EUS-CDS versus EUS-HGS resulted in a reduced probability of survival without biliary events and an increased risk of biliary dysfunctions (number needed to harm = 1.8), with detection of severe/fatal cholangitis.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided rendezvous techniques for difficult biliary cannulation: Technical review

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is the standard procedure for the diagnosis and treatment of biliary diseases. However, selective biliary cannulation, the essential first step in ERCP, can sometimes fail due to anatomical variations or technical limitations. In these cases, the endoscopic ultrasound-guided rendezvous technique (EUS-RV) offers a valuable salvage option. Nevertheless, it is crucial to be aware of potential adverse events associated with bile duct puncture. To optimize the success rate and safety of EUS-RV, understanding the basic techniques, technical tips for each procedural step, and troubleshooting strategies for potential difficulties is essential. This review article summarizes the clinical outcomes and technical considerations of EUS-RV, including a comprehensive analysis of the current evidence.

Effectiveness of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided choledochoduodenostomy vs. EUS-guided gallbladder drainage for jaundice in patients with malignant distal biliary obstruction after failed endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography: Retrospective, multicenter study (GALLBLADEUS Study)

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to compare endoscopic ultrasound-guided choledochoduodenostomy (EUS-CDS) vs. EUS-gallbladder drainage (EUS-GBD) in cases of failed endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for jaundice resulting from malignant distal biliary obstruction (MDBO).

METHODS

This multicenter retrospective study included patients with obstructive jaundice secondary to MDBO who underwent EUS-GBD or EUS-CDS with lumen-apposing metal stents after failed ERCP. The primary end-point was clinical success rate. Secondary end-points were technical success, periprocedural adverse events rate (<24 h), late adverse events rate (>24 h), overall survival, and time to recurrent biliary obstruction.

RESULTS

A total of 78 patients were included: 41 underwent EUS-GBD and 37 underwent EUS-CDS. MDBO was mainly the result of pancreatic cancer (n = 63/78, 80.7%). Clinical success rate was similar for both procedures: 87.8% for EUS-GBD and 89.2% for EUS-CDS (P = 0.8). Technical success rate was 100% for EUS-GBD and 94.6% for EUS-CDS (P = 0.132). Periprocedural morbidity (<24 h) rates were similar between both groups: 4/41 (9.8%) for EUS-GBD and 5/37 (13.5%) for EUS-CDS (P = 0.368). There was a significantly higher rate of late morbidity (>24 h) among patients in the EUS-CDS group (8/37 [21.6%]) than in the EUS-GBD group (3/41 [7.3%]) (P = 0.042). The median follow-up duration was 4.7 months. Overall survival and time to recurrent biliary obstruction did not significantly differ between the groups.

DISCUSSION

After failed ERCP for MDBO, EUS-GBD and EUS-CDS show comparable clinical success rates and technical success. EUS-GBD appears to be a promising alternative for MDBO, even as a second-line treatment after failed ERCP. Further studies are needed to validate these findings and compare the long-term outcomes of EUS-GBD and EUS-CDS.

Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Treatments for Pancreatic Cancer: Understanding How Endoscopic Ultrasound Has Revolutionized Management of Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer is associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided biopsy has become the standard diagnostic modality per the guidelines. The use of EUS has been growing for providing various treatments in patients with pancreatic cancers: biliary and gallbladder drainage for those with malignant biliary obstruction, gastroenterostomy for malignant gastric outlet obstruction, celiac plexus/ganglia neurolysis for pain control, radiofrequency ablation, placement of fiducial markers, and injection of local chemotherapeutic agents. In this review, we explore the recent clinical studies evaluating the EUS-guided treatments in pancreatic cancer.

The Role of Therapeutic Endoscopic Ultrasound in Management of Malignant Double Obstruction (Biliary and Gastric Outlet): A Comprehensive Review with Clinical Scenarios

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided interventions have revolutionized the management of malignant biliary obstruction (MBO) and gastric outlet obstruction (GOO), providing minimally invasive alternatives with improved outcomes. These procedures have significantly reduced the need for high-risk surgical interventions or percutaneous alternatives and have provided effective palliative care for patients with advanced gastrointestinal and bilio-pancreatic malignancies. EUS-guided biliary drainage (EUS-BD) techniques, including hepaticogastrostomy (EUS-HGS), choledochoduodenostomy (EUS-CDS), and antegrade stenting (EUS-AS), offer high technical and clinical success rates, with a good safety profile particularly when Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is not feasible. EUS-HGS, which allows biliary drainage by trans-gastric route, is primarily used for proximal stenosis or in case of surgically altered anatomy; EUS-CDS with Lumen-Apposing Metal Stent (LAMS) for distal MBO (dMBO), EUS-AS as an alternative of EUS-HGS in the bridge-to-surgery scenario or when retrograde access is not possible and EUS-guided gallbladder drainage (EUS-GBD) with LAMS in case of dMBO with cystic duct patent without dilation of common bile duct (CDB). EUS-guided gastroenterostomy (EUS-GE) has already established its role as an effective alternative to surgical GE and enteral self-expandable metal stent, providing relief from GOO with fewer complications and faster recovery times. However, we do not yet have strong evidence on how to combine the different EUS-guided drainage techniques with EUS-GE in the setting of double obstruction. This comprehensive review aims to synthesize growing evidence on this topic by randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, and case series not only to summarize the efficacy, safety, and technical aspects of these procedures but also to propose a treatment algorithm based essentially on the anatomy and stage of the neoplasm to guide clinical decision-making, incorporating the principles of personalized medicine. This review also highlights the transformative impact of EUS-guided interventions on the treatment landscape for MBO and GOO. These techniques offer safer and more effective options than traditional approaches, with the potential for widespread clinical adoption. Further research is needed to refine these procedures, expand their applications, and improve patient care and quality of life.

TOKYO criteria 2024 for the assessment of clinical outcomes of endoscopic biliary drainage

The consensus-based TOKYO criteria were proposed as a standardized reporting system for endoscopic transpapillary biliary drainage. The primary objective was to address issues arising from the inconsistent reporting of stent outcomes across studies, which has complicated the comparability and interpretation of study results. However, the original TOKYO criteria were not readily applicable to recent modalities of endoscopic biliary drainage such as biliary drainage based on endoscopic ultrasound or device-assisted endoscopy. There are increasing opportunities for managing hilar biliary obstruction and benign biliary strictures through endoscopic drainage. Biliary ablation has been introduced to manage benign and malignant biliary strictures. In addition, the prolonged survival times of cancer patients have increased the importance of evaluating overall outcomes during the period requiring endoscopic biliary drainage rather than solely focusing on the patency of the initial stent. Recognizing these unmet needs, a committee has been established within the Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society to revise the TOKYO criteria for current clinical practice. The revised criteria propose not only common reporting items for endoscopic biliary drainage overall, but also items specific to various conditions and interventions. The term "stent-demanding time" has been defined to encompass the entire duration of endoscopic biliary drainage, during which the overall stent-related outcomes are evaluated. The revised TOKYO criteria 2024 are expected to facilitate the design and reporting of clinical studies, providing a goal-oriented approach to the evaluation of endoscopic biliary drainage.

Optimizing EUS-guided choledochoduodenostomy with lumen-apposing metal stents for primary drainage of malignant distal biliary obstruction (SCORPION-IIp): a prospective pilot study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Biliary drainage by ERCP in patients with malignant distal bile duct obstruction (MBO) is frequently associated with adverse events, such as pancreatitis, hampering patient outcomes. EUS-guided choledochoduodenostomy (EUS-CDS) with a lumen-apposing metal stent (LAMS) is a promising alternative in patients with MBO but is associated with a worrisome risk of stent dysfunction. Placement of a fully covered self-expandable metal stent (FCSEMS) through the LAMS, thereby changing the axis of biliary drainage toward the descending duodenum, may decrease the risk of stent dysfunction while maintaining high technical success and low adverse event rates.

METHODS

This was a prospective single-center pilot study in patients with pathology-confirmed MBO without gastric outlet obstruction. The primary outcome was stent dysfunction, defined as recurrent jaundice after initial clinical success, ongoing jaundice in combination with persistent bile duct dilatation, or cholangitis.

RESULTS

Overall, 27 consecutive patients eligible for EUS-CDS were enrolled. The placement of a LAMS was successful in 24 of 27 patients (89%), and placement of a FCSEMS through the LAMS was successful in 20 of 24 (83%); in the remaining 4 patients, a coaxial double-pigtail plastic stent was placed. Two of these 20 patients experienced persistent jaundice requiring stent revision (10%), leading to a clinical success rate of 90%. No patients developed stent dysfunction after initial clinical success.

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed a stent dysfunction rate of 10% after technically successful EUS-CDS with placement of a FCSEMS through the LAMS. Improving the design of LAMSs may further reduce the rate of stent dysfunction. (Clinical trial registration number: NCT05595122.).

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.

Adverse events in endoscopic ultrasound-guided choledochoduodenostomy with lumen-apposing metal stents: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Several meta-analyses have analyzed the technical and clinical success of endoscopic ultrasound-guided choledochoduodenostomy (EUS-CDS) by using lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMS) in malignant biliary obstruction, but those concerning adverse events (AEs) are scarce. The current systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the AEs after EUS-CDS with LAMS.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search of PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library was conducted for studies reporting the outcomes of EUS-CDS with LAMS. The main endpoints were the incidence of overall and specific AEs. Moreover, the stent dysfunction, and reintervention rates were evaluated independently.

RESULTS

A total of 21 studies (n = 1438) were included in the final meta-analysis. The pooled rate of technical and clinical success was 93.5% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 91.3-95.1) and 88.0% (95% CI: 83.9-91.1), respectively. After EUS-CDS with LAMS, the pooled incidence of overall AEs was 20.1% (95% CI: 16.0-24.9). The estimated rate of early AEs was 10.6% (95% CI: 7.9-14.2), and late AEs was 11.2% (95% CI: 8.2-15.2). Infection/cholangitis was the commonest AE, with a pooled incidence of 6.1% (95% CI: 3.7-10.1). The estimated incidence of stent dysfunction and reintervention was 10.5% (95% CI: 7.5-14.4), and 12.1% (95% CI: 9.3-15.7), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Despite with a high technical and clinical success rate, EUS-CDS with LAMS may be associated with overall AEs and stent dysfunction in one-fifth and one-tenth of cases, respectively. Further efforts are required to optimize its safety and long-term stent patency.

Managing dysfunctions and reinterventions in endoscopic ultrasound-guided choledochoduodenostomy with lumen apposing metal stents: Illustrated technical review (with videos)

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided choledochoduodenostomy (EUS-CDS) with lumen apposing metal stent is emerging both as a rescue strategy and a primary treatment for distal malignant biliary obstruction. The large-scale diffusion of the procedure and improved overall survival of patients with pancreatobiliary neoplasms is resulting in a growing population of long-term EUS-CDS lumen apposing metal stent carriers. Recent studies have reported a need for reintervention during follow-up as high as 55%, and the Leuven-Amsterdam-Milan Study Group classification has been developed, identifying five mechanisms of stent dysfunction and 11 possible rescue strategies aimed at restoring biliary drainage. This illustrated technical review aims to further dissect the recent classification through a comprehensive analysis of nine illustrative cases, offering insights into the pathophysiology underlying dysfunction and clinical reasoning behind rescue interventions, as well as technical considerations and practical tips and tricks. By exploring mechanisms of dysfunction, this review also assists clinicians in selecting the ideal candidates for EUS-CDS while identifying patients deemed high risk for dysfunction or clinical failure.

Complications and management of interventional endoscopic ultrasound: A critical review

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

Will Endoscopic-Ultrasound-Guided Choledocoduodenostomy with Electrocautery-Enhanced Lumen-Apposing Metal Stent Placement Replace Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography When Treating Distal Malignant Biliary Obstructions?

Malignant distal biliary obstructions are becoming increasingly common, especially in patients with cancers of the pancreatic head, despite progress in medical oncology research. ERCP is the current gold standard for management of such strictures, but the emergence of EC-LAMS has rendered EUS-CDS both safe and efficient. It is a "game changer"; originally intended for ERCP failure, two randomised clinical trials recently proposed EUS-CDS as a first-intent procedure in palliative settings. For resectable diseases, the absence of iatrogenic pancreatitis associated with a lower rate of postsurgical adverse events (compared with ERCP) leads us to believe that EUS-CDS might be used in first-intent as a pre-operative endoscopic biliary drainage.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided choledochoduodenostomy using single-step lumen-apposing metal stents for primary drainage of malignant distal biliary obstruction (SCORPION-p): a prospective pilot study

BACKGROUND

 This study aimed to assess the safety and feasibility of endoscopic ultrasound-guided choledochoduodenostomy (EUS-CDS) using a lumen-apposing metal stent (LAMS) as a primary drainage strategy in patients with distal malignant biliary obstruction (MBO).

METHODS

 A prospective, single-center, pilot study was conducted in patients with pathology-confirmed MBO without gastric outlet obstruction. The primary outcome was technical success. Secondary outcomes included clinical success, adverse events (AEs), and reinterventions. The study was registered in the Netherlands Trial Registry (registry number NL9757).

RESULTS

 22 patients were enrolled (median age 69.5 years [interquartile range 64-75.3]). Technical success was achieved in 20/22 patients (91 %). AEs occurred in one patient, namely perforation following inadequate stent deployment (5 %), which was treated in the same procedure. Clinical success was achieved in 19/22 patients (86 %). Stent dysfunction was observed in 11/20 patients (55 %) after technically successful EUS-CDS: two patients were treated conservatively and nine patients underwent reintervention(s). One patient died within ≤ 30 days due to fulminant disease progression.

CONCLUSIONS

 The results confirmed the safety and feasibility of EUS-CDS using LAMS as a primary drainage strategy. The high incidence of stent dysfunction should be improved before EUS-CDS with LAMS can be seen as a valid alternative to endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography.

Utility of interventional endoscopic ultrasound in pancreatic cancer

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

Conversion of a dysfunctional choledochoduodenostomy to transpapillary drainage via a trans-lumen-apposing metal stent choledochoduodenoscopy

Video 1Peroral antegrade cholangioscopy-guided conversion of dysfunctional choledochoduodenostomy to transpapillary drainage via trans-LAMS (lumen-apposing metal stent).

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

BACKGROUND

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

AIM

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

METHODS

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

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSION

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

Current uses of electro-cautery lumen apposing metal stents in endoscopic ultrasound guided interventions

The electro-cautery lumen apposing metal stent (EC-LAMS) is a newly developed device that integrates the electro-cautery cyctotome with the one-step metal stent delivery and releasing system in recent years. LAMS was first designed to complete the drainage of pancreatic fluid collection under endoscopic ultrasound guidance, and the technological innovation of EC-LAMS has made more off-labeled indications of endoscopic intervention for gastrointestinal diseases realized, such as abdominal fluid drainage, bile duct, or gallbladder drainage through stomach or duodenum, gastrointestinal anastomosis, and the establishment of fistulous channel for further endoscopic operation when necessary. The unique feature of this metal stent is that it has the design of a saddle shape and a large lumen, and can almost connect the adjacent structures to minimize the risk of perforation and leakage. Compared with traditional LAMS, EC-LAMS, an advanced integrated device, can greatly simplify the endoscopic process, shorten the procedure time and reduce the technical difficulty, thus it can help endoscopists complete more complex endoscopic interventions. In this review, we discuss the state of art with regard to EC-LAMS and its endoscopic process, current indications, outcomes, adverse events, and future application prospects.