Preoperative endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage for primary drainage in obstructive jaundice

INTRODUCTION

Endoscopic transpapillary approach by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is the established technique for preoperative biliary drainage (PBD). Recently, endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage (EUS-BD) has been reported to be a useful alternative technique after ERCP fail. However, the optimal strategy remain controversial.

AREA COVERED

This review summarizes the literature on EUS-BD techniques for PBD with a literature search using PubMed, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials database between 2000 and 2023 using keywords for 'preoperative biliary drainage' and all types of EUS-BD techniques.

EXPERT OPINION

As there is no consensus on the optimal EUS-BD technique for PBD, selection of the EUS-BD approach depends on the patient's condition, the biliary obstruction site, the anastomosis after surgical intervention, and the preference of the endoscopist. However, we consider that EUS-HGS using a dedicated plastic stent may have some advantages in the adverse impact of surgical procedure because the location where the fistula is created by EUS-HGS is away from the site of the surgical procedure. Although there remain many issues that require further investigation, EUS-BD can be a feasible and safe alternative method of PBD for malignant biliary obstruction after ERCP fail.

Use of a novel lumen apposing metallic stent for drainage of the bile duct and gallbladder: Long term outcomes of a prospective international trial

BACKGROUND

Long-term placement of lumen apposing metal stents (LAMS) with high lumen apposing force may result in adverse events. The aim of the current study was to assess the long-term efficacy and safety of a self-approximating LAMS with lower lumen apposing force for endoscopic ultrasound-guided choledochoduodenostomy (EUS-CDS) and -gallbladder drainage (EUS-GBD).

METHODS

Five Asian institutions participated in this study. Consecutive patients suffering from obstructive jaundice with failed ERCP or acute cholecystitis that were at high risk for cholecystectomy were recruited. We evaluated the technical and clinical success rates, adverse events rates, types of interventions through the stent and the patency profile.

RESULTS

From June 2017 to Oct 2018, a total of 53 patients received EUS-CDS (26) and EUS-GBD (27). The technical and clinical success rates were similar between the two groups (88.5% vs 88.9%, P = 1 and 88.5% vs 88.9%, P = 1 respectively). The differences in 30-day mortality rates [2 (7.7%) vs 2 (7.7%), P = 1] and adverse events [3 (11.5%) vs 3 (11.5%), P = 1] did not reach significance. Regarding long-term outcomes, two patients in each group suffered from adverse events (P = 1). One patient in the EUS-GBD group who was on direct oral anticoagulant suffered from stent induced bleeding.

CONCLUSION

The self-approximating LAMS with lower lumen apposing force was effective and safe with a low risk of buried stent syndrome and bleeding in the longer term. The ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier was NCT03002051.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage using a newly designed metal stent with a thin delivery system: a preclinical study in phantom and porcine models

PURPOSE

This study was designed to evaluate the feasibility and safety of a newly designed self-expandable metal stent for endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage (EUS-BD) when it was delivered via three different stent delivery systems: a 7.5Fr delivery catheter with a bullet-shaped tip (7.5Fr-bullet), a 7Fr catheter with a bullet-shaped tip (7Fr-bullet), or a 7Fr catheter with a tee-shaped tip (7Fr-tee).

METHODS

This experimental study utilized a porcine model of biliary dilatation involving ten pigs. In the animal study, technical feasibility and clinical outcomes of the stent when placed with each of the delivery systems were examined. In addition, a phantom model was used to measure the resistance of these delivery systems to advancement.

RESULTS

Phantom experiments showed that, compared with 7Fr-bullet, 7Fr-tee had less resistance force to the advancement of the stent delivery system. EUS-BD was technically successful in all ten pigs. Fistulous tract dilation was necessary in 100% (2/2), 75% (3/4), and 0% (0/4) of the pigs that underwent EUS-BD using 7.5Fr-bullet, 7Fr-bullet, and 7Fr-tee, respectively. There were no procedure-related complications.

CONCLUSION

Our newly designed metal stent may be feasible and safe for EUS-BD, particularly when delivered by 7Fr-tee, because it eliminates the need for fistulous tract dilation.

Endoscopic ultrasonography-guided choledochoduodenostomy using a newly designed laser-cut metal stent: Feasibility study in a porcine model

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS)-guided choledochoduodenostomy (EUS-CDS) is increasingly used in the treatment of malignant distal biliary obstruction. Standardized use of this technique requires improvements in instruments, including more convenient and safer devices. The present study was designed to evaluate the resistance force to migration (RFM) of a newly designed laser-cut metal stent and the feasibility of EUS-CDS using this stent.

METHODS

This experimental study used a porcine model of biliary dilatation involving five male pigs. The new stent is a fully covered laser-cut stent with anti-migration anchoring hooks. The RFM of the new stents was compared with those of three commercially available covered metal stents using a phantom model. In the animal study, after ligation of Vater's ampulla with endoscopic clips, the dilated common bile duct was punctured under EUS guidance, followed by EUS-CDS using the new stent. One week after the procedure, the stents were removed endoscopically and the fistulas were assessed after the pigs were killed. Technical feasibility and clinical outcomes were evaluated.

RESULTS

Among the four stents, the new stent had the highest RFM. Metal stent placement was successful in all five pigs, with no procedure-related complications occurring during and 1 week after endoscopic intervention. All stents remained in place without migration and were removed easily using a snare. At necropsy, fistulas were created between the bile duct and duodenum in all pigs.

CONCLUSION

EUS-CDS using a newly designed metal stent was feasible and effective in this porcine model of biliary dilatation.