Endoscopic ultrasound-guided choledochoduodenostomies with fully covered self-expandable metallic stents

AIM:To investigate the long-term outcomes of endoscopic ultrasound-guided choledochoduodenostomy(EUS-CDS) with a fully covered self-expandable metallic stent(FCSEMS).METHODS:From April 2009 to August 2010,15 patients with distal malignant biliary obstructions who were candidates for alternative techniques for biliary decompression due to a failed endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP) were included.These 15 patients consisted of 8 men and 7 women and had a median age of 61 years(range:30-91 years).The underlying causes of the distal malignant biliary obstruction were pancreatic cancer(n = 9),ampulla of Vater cancer(n = 2),renal cell carcinoma(n = 1),advanced gastric cancer(n = 1),lymphoma(n = 1),and duodenal cancer(n = 1).RESULTS:The technical success rate of EUS-CDS with an FCSEMS was 86.7%(13/15),and functional success was achieved in 100%(13/13) of those cases.In two patients,the EUS-CDS failed because an FCSEMS with a delivery device could not be passed into the common bile duct.The mean duration of stent patency was 264 d.Early adverse events developed in three patients(3/13,23.1%),including self-limited pneumoperitoneum in two patients and cholangitis requiring stent reposition in one patient.During the follow-up period(median:186 d,range:52-388 d),distal stent migration occurred in four patients(4/13,30.8%).In 3 patients,the FCSEMS could be reinserted through the existing choledochoduodenal fistula tract.CONCLUSION:EUS-CDS with an FCSEMS is technically feasible and can lead to effective palliation of distal malignant biliary obstructions after failed ERCP.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage with placement of a fully covered metal stent for malignant biliary obstruction

AIM:To determine the utility of endoscopic ultrasoundguided biliary drainage(EUS-BD)with a fully covered self-expandable metal stent for managing malignant biliary stricture. METHODS:We collected data from 13 patients who presented with malignant biliary obstruction and underwent EUS-BD with a nitinol fully covered selfexpandable metal stent when endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP)fails.EUS-guided choledochoduodenostomy(EUS-CD)and EUS-guided hepaticogastrostomy(EUS-HG)was performed in 9 patients and 4 patients,respectively. RESULTS:The technical and functional success rate was 92.3%(12/13)and 91.7%(11/12),respectively. Using an intrahepatic approach(EUS-HG,n=4),there was mild peritonitis(n=1)and migration of the metal stent to the stomach(n=1).With an extrahepatic approach(EUS-CD,n=10),there was pneumoperitoneum(n=2),migration(n=2),and mild peritonitis (n=1).All patients were managed conservatively with antibiotics.During follow-up(range,1-12 mo),there was re-intervention(4/13 cases,30.7%)necessitated by stent migration(n=2)and stent occlusion(n=2). CONCLUSION:EUS-BD with a nitinol fully covered self-expandable metal stent may be a feasible and effective treatment option in patients with malignant biliary obstruction when ERCP fails.