Endoscopic ultrasound-guided drainage of pelvic abscess: A case series of 8 patients

Interventional Endoscopic Ultrasonography: Advances in Application

Technological advances have greatly expanded the diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS). The integration of cutting-edge imaging techniques, including tissue harmonic echo, contrast-enhanced harmonic EUS, elastography, and needle-based confocal laser endomicroscopy, have significantly enhanced lesion characterization and diagnostic accuracy. Additionally, developments in stent design and the introduction of new accessories have broadened the therapeutic applications of EUS. Ongoing innovations in clinical practice have transformed procedures such as drainage, tumor ablation, EUS-directed transgastric endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), the placement of fiducial markers, advancements in endohepatology, lesion characterization, and treatment. These developments continue to expand the role of EUS in delivering precise and effective therapeutic interventions.

Role of Endoscopic Ultrasound in the Diagnosis and Management of Complications of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease-related complications are associated with a decreased quality of life, requirement for surgery, and increased morbidity. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is accurate at identifying and characterizing perianal fistulae and abscesses and helps guide treatment decisions. EUS also allows us to accurately assess for mucosal and transmural inflammation and thus can help differentiate Crohn's disease from ulcerative colitis (UC). EUS use can help predict dysplasia in UC, and monitoring transmural inflammation can help assess response to treatment. In addition to diagnostic EUS, therapeutic EUS techniques have been used to endoscopically drain abscesses and bypass strictures in Crohn's disease.

Bezoars: Culprits of gastrointestinal obstruction that may lead to surgical intervention and potentially surgical complications

Key Clinical Message

Bezoars can cause gastrointestinal obstruction and may require surgery. Surgery carries the risk of complications. Medical professionals should perform detailed history in diet and behaviors for patients presenting with abdominal pain to identify risk factors for bezoars, then educate these patients and their families about risks and complications of bezoars.

Abstract

Bezoars are solid masses of undigested material that can cause obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract. There are different types of bezoars; phytobezoar, trichobezoar, pharmacobezoar, lactobezoar, and bezoars containing tissue paper or polystyrene foam. This case report is of a 13-year-old Hispanic male who suffered a postsurgical complication after removal of bezoar. He had a past surgical history of appendectomy and presented to the hospital with a 1-day history of right lower quadrant abdominal pain associated with fever and diarrhea. X-radiation images and computed tomography scans aided in the diagnosis of pelvic abscess as a complication of postsurgical enterotomy and closure of the enterotomy to remove bezoar from the small bowel. The initial bezoar removal and the postsurgical complication of pelvic abscess resulted in the patient staying for 19 days in the hospital. At discharge, the patient and his guardian were advised to follow up with the patient's primary care physician and surgical team. The patient made an uneventful recovery. He did not experience any long-term complications and fully recovered. This report demonstrates that although bezoars are rare, they can cause significant obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract leading to the need for management, such as surgery, which carries its own risks. It is important to note that the postsurgical complication of pelvic abscess can occur due to surgery itself and not because of bezoar specifically. Abdominal surgery in general poses the risk of pelvic abscess. The consideration is to expectantly decrease the occurrence of bezoars so that consequently there will not be a need for surgery in removal of bezoars due to obstruction. The effects of bezoars can be prevented through educating the community and addressing underlying psychiatric disorders.

EUS-guided transrectal drainage of pelvic abscesses: a retrospective analysis of 17 patients

Background

Pelvic abscess is a common complication of abdominal surgery or intestinal or gynecological diseases. Over the last decades, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided drainage has emerged as a minimally invasive alternative to percutaneous or surgical treatment of pelvic abscesses.

Aim

To evaluate safety and efficacy of EUS-guided transrectal pelvic abscess drainage in a single center.

Methods

From February 2017 to April 2023, all data on patients who were treated for pelvic abscesses by EUS-guided drainage in a single center, were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

A total of 17 patients were treated for pelvic abscesses by EUS-guided drainage. The procedure was technically successful and uneventful in all 17 patients (100%). Etiology of the abscess was postsurgical (n=5, 29%), secondary to medical illness (n=10, 59%) or gastrointestinal perforation (n=2, 12%). The abscess was multilocular in 5 patients (29%), the mean largest diameter was 76 mm (range 40-146 mm). Drainage was performed using 2 double pigtail stents, and in 1 patient an additional 10 Fr drainage catheter was deployed. Two patients (12%) required a second endoscopic intervention. Treatment success, defined by complete abscess resolution on follow-up CT scan along with symptom relief, was 100%. There was no need for surgical intervention. The median post-procedural hospital stay was 5 days. No recurrence was reported within a median time of follow-up of 39 months.

Conclusion

EUS-guided transrectal drainage of pelvic abscesses using double pigtail stents is safe and highly effective. This case series contributes to the cumulative evidence that, in expert hands, EUS-guided drainage should be considered as first-line approach for treatment of pelvic abscesses.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided transrectal drainage of a pelvic abscess after Hinchey II sigmoid colon diverticulitis: A case report

BACKGROUND

Acute diverticulitis is one of the most prevalent complications of diverticular disease and may result in abscess formation, perforation, fistula formation, obstruction, or bleeding. Diverticular abscesses may be initially treated with antibiotics and/or percutaneous drainage and/or surgery. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided drainage techniques are increasingly used as a minimally invasive alternative to percutaneous or surgical approaches, as they are associated with better treatment outcomes, shorter recovery time and duration of hospitalization.

CASE SUMMARY

A 57-year-old female presented to the emergency department on account of abdominal pain and fever. Clinical examination revealed tenderness in the left lower abdominal quadrant, with elevated inflammatory markers in laboratory tests. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) revealed an 8 cm × 8 cm × 5 cm well-encapsulated abscess of the sigmoid colon, surrounded by numerous diverticula. A diagnosis of Hinchey II diverticular abscess was made, and the patient was admitted and commenced on appropriate antibiotic treatment. A transrectal EUS showed a fluid collection in direct contact with the sigmoid colon. Transluminal drainage was performed, and a lumen-apposing metal stent was inserted into the abscess collection. A follow-up CT scan showed a regression of the collection. The patient's general condition improved, and the stent was removed during a follow-up transrectal EUS that revealed no visible collection.

CONCLUSION

We report the first successful management of a pelvic abscess in patient with Hinchey II acute diverticulitis using EUS-guided transluminal drainage in Slovenia. The technique appears effective for well-encapsulated intra-abdominal abscesses larger than 4 cm in direct contact with the intestinal wall of left colon.

Surgical Emergencies in the ICU

Surgical emergencies are common in the critical care setting and require prompt diagnosis and management. Here, we discuss some of the surgical emergencies involving the gastrointestinal, hepatobiliary, and genitourinary sites. In addition, foreign body aspiration and necrotizing soft-tissue infections have been elaborated. Clinicians should be aware of the risk factors, keys examination findings, diagnostic modalities, and medical as well as surgical treatment options for these potentially fatal illnesses.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided drainage of pelvic abscess: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

As an emerging minimally invasive technology, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) has been reported to treat pelvic abscess instead of surgical or image-guided percutaneous drainage (PCD) under certain conditions. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of EUS-guided drainage for patients with pelvic abscesses.

METHODS

We conducted a comprehensive literature search on PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases (inception-March 2022). The main outcomes were technical success, clinical success, and complications. Comprehensive meta-analysis software was used to calculate the pooled event rate.

RESULTS

Twelve studies containing 272 patients were included. These pelvic abscesses most frequently developed after abdominal and pelvic surgery (n = 180, 66.2%), inflammatory bowel disease (n = 32, 11.8%), and other inflammatory conditions. Respectively, the pooled technical and clinical success rate was 100% and 88.7% [95% confidence interval (CI): 83.8-92.2%, I2 = 1.0%, p < 0.001]. After excluding an individual study, the pooled rate of complications changed from 11.5% (95% CI: 7.4-17.4%, I2 = 38.8%, p < 0.001) to 8.2% (95% CI: 5.0-13.3%, I2 = 0, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

EUS-guided drainage of the pelvic abscess was feasible, effective, and safe. Further randomized-controlled studies with large-sample sizes were required in the future.

Endoscopic ultra-sound (EUS) guided management of symptomatic pelvic collections: puncture-aspiration or drainage? Results from mono-centric retrospective experience with therapeutic algorithm

BACKGROUND

Pelvic collections may occur after surgery or in medical diseases. EUS transmural (TM) treatment has been shown as highly effective and safe, becoming an alternative to surgery or radiology. We aimed to assess the results of EUS management of pelvic collections.

METHODS

Retrospective, single-center observational study conducted between 2004 and 2018. Patients with symptomatic collections treated by EUS-TM approach were enrolled. The procedures were performed with a therapeutic EUS-scope, following two possible options: puncture-aspiration-injection of antibiotics PAIA (group 1) or EUS-drainage by plastic double pigtail stents (DPS) with an ano-cavitary drain (ACD) or lumen-apposing metal Stent (LAMS) (group 2). The main objective was to assess the clinical effectiveness based on symptoms and collection resolution.

RESULTS

Seventy-three patients were included. Mean age was 42.5 years [12-87]. 30 patients in group 1 (41%) underwent PAIA and 43 in group 2 (59%) underwent DPS ± ACD in 41 patients (95%) and LAMS in 2. The collection was postoperative in 58%. The mean size was 48.9 mm [8-120], 33 +/- 17 mm in group 1, compared to 67 ± 21 mm in group 2 (p < .0001). All the procedures were technically successful. Overall clinical success was 96% (93% in group 1 (28/30), 98% (42/43) in group 2). Failures occurred in 2 post sigmoiditis abscesses and 1 ileo-colic Crohn's disease. No adverse event was reported. During the median follow-up of 7.5 years [4.4-8.9], no patient had recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

EUS-TM with either PAIA or drainage depending on the collection size is confirmed to be highly effective and safe.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided pelvic abscess drainage: a report of 2 cases and literature review

BACKGROUND

Drainage is essential for source control of the infection in a pelvic abscess. The purpose of this study was to report 2 cases of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided drainage of the pelvic abscess and review the literature of different modalities of EUS-guided drainage of pelvic abscess.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 60-year-old male developed a pelvic abscess 1 month after laparoscopic complete tumor resection. An abdominal CT showed a mass shadow (about 7.1 cm × 5.1 cm) in the right pelvic region. Another case was an 85-year-old male who developed a pelvic abscess 3 days after recurrent tumor resection of multiple organs. The CT showed pelvic effusion and gas accumulation (approximately 6.5 cm × 4.2 cm), and the intestinal tube above the small intestinal anastomosis was dilated with effusion. A 19G-A puncture needle was used to puncture the abscess. An 8-mm cylindrical balloon was inserted, followed by a 10 Fr-3 cm double pigtail stent and an 8.5 Fr drainage tube. After EUS-guided drainage of pelvic abscess, the symptoms disappeared without recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

EUS-guided drainage is an effective and safe method for treating pelvic abscesses as long as the drainage modality is appropriately selected based on the etiology, size, and mucus viscosity of the abscess.

Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Transrectal Drainage of Perirectal Abscess in a Patient with Crohn Disease

Patient: Male, 58-year-old

Final Diagnosis: Perirectal abscess

Symptoms: Body aches • chills • intermittent pyrexia • myalgias • perirectal pain

Medication: —

Clinical Procedure: —

Specialty: Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Thigh phlegmon as a first sign of a ruptured pelvic presacral abscess caused by ileal diverticulum fistula: A case report

•

Ileal diverticulum rarely causes pelvic abscess.

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Pelvic abscess rarely causes thigh phlegmon.

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Rupture of presacral abscess to extra-pelvic site carries high mortality.

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Intrapelvic pathology has to be considered in patients with thigh phlegmon.

Introduction

Ileal diverticula usually remain asymptomatic. If complicated, they may present as intra-abdominal or pelvic abscess. Abscess formation in the presacral space is very rare. The rupture of abscess and spread of pus to extra-pelvic sites through anatomical structures of the pelvis is extremely rare. It carries high mortality if not diagnosed on time.

Case presentation

We report a case of 52-year-old woman presented with thigh phlegmon and septic condition. The CT scan revealed free air in the left leg and pelvic presacral fluid collection descending to extra-pelvic direction through the greater sciatic notch. Moreover, ileal fistula to presacral abscess was suspected. Multiple incisions and fasciotomies were urgently performed to treat thigh phlegmon. Subsequently, laparotomy was carried out and ileal fistula was excised. Histological examination of the surgical specimen demonstrated that the fistula to presacral abscess has formed due to perforated ileal diverticulum. 3 years after the surgery the patient remains healthy without recurrence.

Discussion

Rupture of presacral abscess to extra-pelvic site due to ileal diverticulum fistula is an extremely rare case, to our best knowledge, never reported in literature. Due to a rare occurrence and early septic complications if diagnosed late, this condition carries a high mortality rate.

Conclusion

Intrapelvic pathology must be considered in patients with thigh phlegmon in order to prevent complications and associated mortality.

EUS-guided pelvic drainage: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background and Objectives:

EUS-guided pelvic abscess drainage (EUS-PAD) is a procedure that utilizes an echoendoscope to visualize an area of interest for needle insertion and placement of a stent, catheter, or both for drainage of the target abscess. The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis for the safety and efficacy of EUS-PAD.

Materials and Methods:

We conducted a comprehensive search of several databases and conference proceedings including PubMed, EMBASE, Google Scholar, MEDLINE, SCOPUS, and Web of Science databases (earliest inception to February 2020). The primary outcomes for this study were the technical and clinical success of EUS-PAD. The secondary outcomes assessed for this study were adverse events of the procedure and subgroup analysis of individual adverse events.

Results:

Eight studies with a total of 135 patients combined were included in our analysis. The rate of technical success was 100% and the calculated pooled rate of clinical success was 92% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 87%, 98%; P = 0.31; I² = 15%). The calculated pooled rate of adverse events was 9.4% (±17.9%), with stent migration (5.5 ± 18.06%) being the most common adverse event.

Conclusion:

EUS-PAD offers a viable alternative that can minimize the need for surgical intervention in the drainage of pelvic abscesses. EUS-PAD has also demonstrated long-term clinical success with an acceptable rate of complications.

Transrectal Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Drainage of a Tubo-Ovarian Abscess Via a Lumen-Apposing Metal Stent

Tubo-ovarian abscess (TOA) is a potentially lethal condition, often requiring a combination of medical and surgical interventions. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided drainage is a known modality for safe and effective management of pelvic fluid collections, but its role for the treatment of TOA is not well documented. We report the first known case of successful treatment of a large TOA with EUS-guided transrectal drainage using a lumen-apposing metal stent.

Endoscopic ultrasound guided versus surgical transrectal drainage of pelvic abscesses

BACKGROUND

Pelvic abscesses are common but only small case series reporting outcome of either endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) guided or surgical transrectal drainage have been reported.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective consecutive cohort study, assessing effectivity and safety of EUS guided or surgical transrectal drainage of previously untreated pelvic abscesses from all causes, diagnosed using CT scan between 09/2010 and 06/2014 in a Dutch teaching hospital.

RESULTS

Forty-six patients with comparable demographics, apart from stoma presence (p = .016), were included. The success rate after a single intervention was 83% in the EUS guided compared to 48% in the surgical transrectal drainage group (p = .013). However, the mean duration of drainage was threefold in the EUS group [42 versus 13 days (p = .001)]. The length of stay in hospital was similar for both EUS and surgical group [24 versus 20 days (p = .56)] as was abscess resolution during follow-up [78% versus 74%]. We recorded a total of 12 anastomotic leaks [3 versus 9]. In the occurrence of leakage, only one stoma was finally closed in each group.

CONCLUSION

EUS guided and surgical transrectal drainage of pelvic abscesses from any cause are safe, nonetheless EUS guided drainage(if feasible) seems more effective after a single treatment, with high overall cure rates.

The Management of Intestinal Penetrating Crohn's Disease

Crohn's disease (CD) leads to the development of complications through progressive uncontrolled inflammation and the transmural involvement of the bowel wall. Most of the available literature on penetrating CD focuses on the perianal phenotype. The management of nonperianal penetrating complications poses its own set of challenges and can result in significant morbidity and an increased risk of mortality. Few controlled trials have been published evaluating this subgroup of patients for clinicians to use for guidance. Utilizing the available evidence, we review the epidemiology, presentation, and modalities used to diagnosis and assess intestinal fistulas, phlegmons, and abscesses. The literature regarding the medical, endoscopic, and surgical management options are reviewed providing physicians with a therapeutic framework to comprehensively treat these nonperianal penetrating complications. Through a multidisciplinary evidence-based approach to the complex sequela of CD outcomes can be improved and patient's quality of life enhanced.10.1093/ibd/izx108_video1izx108_Video5754037501001.

Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Drainage of Pelvic Fluid Collections

Pelvic fluid collections can be challenging and often inaccessible because of their location and close proximity to adjacent organs and spine. This causes an increased risk for morbidity and poor outcomes. Recent advances in endoscopic ultrasound and therapeutic devices provide an effective, safe, and minimally invasive option to surgery or interventional radiology. These devices offer a relatively pain-free method that has shown good outcomes with minimal risk in recent case series, and has increasingly become the first-line treatment of choice. This article summarizes the current literature and the technique and considerations for successful drainage of these collections.

Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Perirectal Abscess Drainage without Drainage Catheter: A Case Series

A perirectal abscess is a relatively common disease entity that occurs as a postsurgical complication or as a result of various medical conditions. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided drainage was recently described as a promising alternative treatment. Previous reports have recommended placement of a drainage catheter through the anus for irrigation, which is inconvenient to the patient and carries a risk of accidental dislodgement. We report four cases of perirectal abscess that were successfully treated with only one or two 7 F double pigtail plastic stent placements and without a drainage catheter for irrigation.

Treatment of patients with acute colonic diverticulitis complicated by abscess formation: A systematic review

PURPOSE

This study aimed to systematically review the literature and present the evidence on outcomes after treatment for acute diverticulitis with abscess formation. Secondly, the paper aimed to compare different treatment options.

METHODS

PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library were searched. Two authors screened the records independently, initially on title and abstract and subsequently on full-text basis. Articles describing patients treated acutely for Hinchey Ib and II were included. Results were presented by treatment, classified as non-operative (percutaneous abscess drainage (PAD), antibiotics, or unspecified non-operative strategy), PAD, antibiotics, or acute surgery. The outcomes of interest were treatment failure, short-term mortality, and recurrence.

RESULTS

Of 1723 articles, 42 studies were included, describing 8766 patients with Hinchey Ib-II diverticulitis. Observational studies were the only available evidence. Treatment generally failed for 20% of patients, regardless of non-operative treatment choice. Abscesses with diameters less than 3 cm were sufficiently treated with antibiotics alone, possibly as outpatient treatment. Of patients treated non-operatively, 25% experienced a recurrent episode during long-term follow-up. When comparing PAD to antibiotic treatment, it appeared that PAD lead to recurrence less often (15.9% vs. 22.2%). Patients undergoing acute surgery had increased risk of death (12.1% vs. 1.1%) compared to patients treated non-operatively. Of patients undergoing PAD, 2.5% experienced procedure-related complications and 15.5% needed adjustment or replacement of the drain.

CONCLUSIONS

Observational studies with unmatched patients were the best available evidence which limited comparability and resulted in risk of selection bias and confounding by indication. Diverticular abscesses with diameters less than 3 cm might be sufficiently treated with antibiotics, while the best treatment for larger abscesses remains uncertain. Acute surgery should be reserved for critically ill patients failing non-operative treatment. Further research is needed to determine the best treatment for different sizes and types of diverticular abscesses, preferably randomized controlled trials.

Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Drainage without Fluoroscopic Guidance for Extraluminal Complicated Cysts

Background. Endoscopic ultrasound- (EUS-) guided drainage is generally performed under fluoroscopic guidance. However, improvements in endoscopic and EUS techniques and experience have led to questions regarding the usefulness of fluoroscopy. This study aimed to retrospectively evaluate the safety and efficacy of EUS-guided drainage of extraluminal complicated cysts without fluoroscopic guidance. Methods. Patients who had undergone nonfluoroscopic EUS-guided drainage of extraluminal complicated cysts were enrolled. Drainage was performed via a transgastric, transduodenal, or transrectal approach. Single or double 7 Fr double pigtail stents were inserted. Results. Seventeen procedures were performed in 15 patients in peripancreatic fluid collections (n = 13) and pelvic abscesses (n = 4). The median lesion size was 7.1 cm (range: 2.8-13.0 cm), and the mean time spent per procedure was 26.2 ± 9.8 minutes (range: 16-50 minutes). Endoscopic drainage was successful in 16 of 17 (94.1%) procedures. There were no complications. All patients experienced symptomatic improvement and revealed partial to complete resolution according to follow-up computed tomography findings. Two patients developed recurrent cysts that were drained during repeat procedures, with eventual complete resolution. Conclusion. EUS-guided drainage without fluoroscopic guidance is a technically feasible, safe, and effective procedure for the treatment of extraluminal complicated cysts.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided interventions in special situations

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) was introduced in 1982 and has since become a popular advanced procedure for diagnosis and therapeutic intervention. Initially, EUS was most commonly used for the diagnosis of pancreatobiliary diseases and tissue acquisition. EUS was first used for guided cholangiography in 1996, followed by EUS-guided biliary drainage in 2001. Advancements in equipment and endoscopic accessories have led to an expansion of EUS-guided procedures, which now include EUS-guided drainage of intra-abdominal abscesses or collections, intra-vascular treatment of refractory variceal and nonvariceal bleeding, transmural pancreatic drainage, common bile duct stone clearance, enteral feeding tube placement and entero-enteric anastomosis. Patients with surgically altered upper gastrointestinal anatomies have greatly benefited from EUS also. This systematic review describes and discusses EUS procedures performed in uncommon diseases and conditions, as well as applications on more vulnerable patients such as young children and pregnant women. In these cases, routine approaches do not always apply, and thus may require the use of innovative and unconventional techniques. Increased knowledge of such special applications will help increase the success rates of these procedures and provide a foundation for additional advances and utilizations of the technique.

Therapeutic role of endoscopic ultrasound in pancreaticobiliary disease: A comprehensive review

With the development of technology and accessories, the role of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) has evolved from diagnostics to therapeutics. In order to characterise the therapeutic role of EUS, we searched Web of Knowledge database and reviewed articles associated with therapeutic EUS. There are two modalities for the therapeutic purpose: drainage and fine-needle injection. EUS-guided drainage is a promising procedure for the treatment of peripancreatic fluid collection and biliary obstruction; EUS-guided fine-needle injections such as celiac plexus neurolysis, for the purpose of pain relief for pancreatic cancer and chronic pancreatitis, has emerged as a promising procedure. The aim of the study was to perform a comprehensive and conscientious review on the techniques, complications and clinical outcomes of those EUS-based procedures.

Uncommon complications of therapeutic endoscopic ultrasonography: What, why, and how to prevent

There is an increasing role for endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided interventions in the treatment of many conditions. Although it has been shown that these types of interventions are effective and safe, they continue to be considered only as alternative treatments in some situations. This is in part due to the occurrence of complications with these techniques, which can occur even when performed by experienced endosonographers. Although common complications have been described for many procedures, it is also crucial to be aware of uncommon complications. This review describes rare complications that have been reported with several EUS-guided interventions. EUS-guided biliary drainage is accepted as an alternative treatment for malignant biliary obstruction. Most of the uncommon complications related to this procedure involve stent malfunction, such as the migration or malposition of stents. Rare complications of EUS-guided pancreatic pseudocyst drainage can result from air embolism and infection. Finally, a range of uncommon complications has been reported for EUS-guided celiac plexus neurolysis, involving neural and vascular injuries that can be fatal. The goal of this review is to identify possible complications and promote an understanding of how they occur in order to increase general awareness of these adverse events with the hope that they can be avoided in the future.

Murad FM, Komanduri S, Abu Dayyeh BK, Chauhan SS, Enestvedt BK, Fujii-Lau LL, Konda V, Maple JT, Pannala R, Thosani NC, Banerjee S. Echoendoscopes

Advances in echoendoscopes and their processors have significantly expanded the role of EUS and its clinical applications.The diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities of EUS continue to evolve and improve. EUS has made a large impact on patient care but comes with significant startup and maintenance costs. As improved technology continues to enhance image resolution while decreasing the size of EUS processors, use of endosonography will become more widespread. EUS will continue to be a vital part of patient care and complement currently available cross-sectional imaging.

Endoscopic ultrasound guided interventional procedures

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) has emerged as an important diagnostic and therapeutic modality in the field of gastrointestinal endoscopy. EUS provides access to many organs and lesions which are in proximity to the gastrointestinal tract and thus giving an opportunity to target them for therapeutic and diagnostic purposes. This modality also provides a real time opportunity to target the required area while avoiding adjacent vascular and other structures. Therapeutic EUS has found role in management of pancreatic fluid collections, biliary and pancreatic duct drainage in cases of failed endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, drainage of gallbladder, celiac plexus neurolysis/blockage, drainage of mediastinal and intra-abdominal abscesses and collections and in targeted cancer chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Infact, therapeutic EUS has emerged as the therapy of choice for management of pancreatic pseudocysts and recent innovations like fully covered removable metallic stents have improved results in patients with organised necrosis. Similarly, EUS guided drainage of biliary tract and pancreatic duct helps drainage of these systems in patients with failed cannulation, inaccessible papilla as with duodenal/gastric obstruction or surgically altered anatomy. EUS guided gall bladder drainage is a useful emergent procedure in patients with acute cholecystitis who are not fit for surgery. EUS guided celiac plexus neurolysis and blockage is more effective and less morbid vis-à-vis the percutaneous technique. The field of interventional EUS is rapidly advancing and many more interventions are being continuously added. This review focuses on the current status of evidence vis-à-vis the established indications of therapeutic EUS.