Search Results (55)

Acute cholecystitis (AC) is one of the most prevalent gastrointestinal emergencies, with laparoscopic cholecystectomy representing the definitive treatment per current guidelines. However, a substantial proportion of patients—particularly elderly individuals with major comorbidities, multiorgan dysfunction, or advanced malignancy—are considered poor surgical candidates in whom operative intervention carries prohibitive risk. Although percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage (PT-GBD) has traditionally served as the first-line non-surgical alternative, its significant morbidity and technical limitations in patients with coagulopathy, massive ascites, or an unsafe percutaneous window have driven the development of endoscopic drainage modalities. This review critically appraises the comparative evidence for two endoscopic gallbladder drainage strategies: endoscopic transpapillary gallbladder drainage (ET-GBD), performed via endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, and endoscopic ultrasound-guided gallbladder drainage (EUS-GBD), most commonly using lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMS). In appropriately selected high-risk surgical candidates, EUS-GBD with LAMS has emerged as a preferred endoscopic option, supported by high technical success rates, low recurrent AC rates, AGA expert guidance, and FDA regulatory reclassification of the AXIOS stent for gallbladder drainage. Nevertheless, ET-GBD retains distinct clinical indications, including concurrent biliary intervention, large-volume ascites, high bleeding risk, anticipated surgical candidacy, and resource-limited settings. Optimal management requires a systematic, algorithm-driven multidisciplinary approach integrating comorbidity profile, biliary anatomy, cystic duct patency, and institutional expertise. Full article

Background/Objectives: Endoscopic ultrasound-guided gallbladder drainage (EUS-GBD) with Lumen-Apposing Metal Stent (LAMS) is an established option for high-surgical-risk patients, with high technical and clinical success. Indications include acute cholecystitis and palliation of jaundice in malignant distal biliary obstruction (MDBO). Both trans-gastric and trans-duodenal approaches are used, but the optimal route remains debated. The aim of the study was to compare trans-gastric and trans-duodenal access in terms of technical success, adverse events, readmissions, and reinterventions. Methods: We implemented a single-centre retrospective study of consecutive EUS-GBD procedures with LAMS at a tertiary endoscopy unit (January 2020–January 2026). Demographic, clinical, and procedural data were analyzed using appropriate statistical tests. Results: Seventy patients were included (51.4% male; mean age 77 ± 12 years). Indications were acute cholecystitis (64.3%) and MDBO (35.7%). Trans-gastric access was used in 48.5% of cases. A Hot-Axios LAMS was deployed in 77.2% of cases, mostly >10 mm. Technical success was achieved in 98.5% of cases. Naso-cystic drainage (NCD) was used through the LAMS in 47.1% of patients, while a double pig-tail plastic stent was used in 7.2% of patients. Adverse events were rare (1.4% misdeployment). LAMS obstruction occurred in 10% of patients, with reintervention required in 12.8% of patients. No differences were found between access routes in indication, technical success, LAMS type/size, or adjunctive drainage. However, trans-gastric access was associated with a higher reintervention rate (p = 0.01). Conclusions: EUS-GBD is a safe and effective procedure. While both approaches are comparable in most outcomes, the trans-gastric route may carry a higher risk of reintervention and should be avoided when alternative access is feasible. Full article

Background/Objectives: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is the current gold standard in patients with acute cholecystitis. Percutaneous cholecystostomy (PC) remains an option for those who are not surgical candidates but is associated with adverse effects. We studied technical success and patient satisfaction for endoscopic ultrasound-guided gallbladder drainage (EUS-GBD) after initially receiving a PC drain. Methods: A multi-center study was conducted at 4 institutions involving patients who initially received a PC. These patients were given the option to transition to receive EUS-GBD. A 5-point Likert scale was used to assess patient satisfaction comparing PC vs. EUS-GBD. Demographic data, including age, sex, reason for PC, complications, and patient satisfaction scores, were collected. Result: All seven patients who underwent percutaneous cholecystostomy rated their experience as 1 (very dissatisfied), whereas the same patients rated EUS-guided gallbladder drainage with a mean satisfaction score of 4.7 (very satisfied). Conclusions: EUS-GBD is effective and offers higher satisfaction scores in patients who are not surgical candidates. Full article

Interventional endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) has become a cornerstone in the management of malignant pancreatobiliary diseases, offering minimally invasive alternatives to traditional surgical approaches. More recently, accumulating evidence supports its expanding role in the treatment of benign pancreatobiliary conditions, including acute cholecystitis and pancreatitis, benign gastric outlet obstruction, and scenarios involving altered gastrointestinal anatomy. This narrative review provides an overview of key EUS-guided drainage techniques utilizing lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMSs) in benign settings. It focuses on procedures such as EUS-guided gallbladder drainage, drainage of abdominal collections, EUS-directed transgastric ERCP (EDGE), and EUS-gastroenterostomy. These interventions have demonstrated high technical and clinical success rates, favorable safety profiles, and expanding indications, particularly among patients who are poor surgical candidates. This review highlights evolving techniques, clinical outcomes, and the impact of device innovations on procedural efficacy and safety. Full article

Introduction: The management of symptomatic peripancreatic fluid collections (PFCs), including pancreatic pseudocysts (PPs) and walled-off necrosis (WON), remains a clinical challenge. Methods: We conducted a single-center retrospective cohort study to compare the efficacy, safety, and cost of endoscopic drainage (lumen-apposing metal stent vs. double pigtail stent) and percutaneous drainage for PFCs. From an initial cohort of 75 patients with symptomatic PFCs between 2020 and 2025, 63 underwent drainage procedures. Primary endpoints were the clinical success, defined as >50% collection size reduction, and the need for direct endoscopic necrosectomy (DEN). Secondary endpoints included adverse events, recurrence rates, length of hospital stay (LOS), and procedural costs. Results: In our study, endoscopic drainage proved high clinical efficacy for PFCs, especially PPs. Once a technique was chosen, complication rates were comparable, indicating no clear safety advantage for either approach. While percutaneous drainage relieved symptoms and reduced collection size in half of the cases, the other half had only transient or partial improvement. When comparing endoscopic drainage techniques, median costs and length of hospital stay trended higher for lumen-apposing metal stent (LAMS) than double pigtail stent (DPS), but the differences were not statistically significant. However, the “other” group proved markedly higher costs and the longest mean hospital stay. Conclusions: The choice of drainage technique impacts short-term outcomes and safety profile in managing PFCs. Our findings support a tailored, step-up approach, prioritizing endoscopic ultrasound-guided drainage based on PFC characteristics to optimize clinical outcomes. Full article

Acute cholecystitis in patients unfit for surgery presents a significant therapeutic challenge, often requiring alternatives to traditional cholecystectomy. In recent years, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided gallbladder drainage using Lumen-Apposing Metal Stents (LAMSs) has emerged as a promising minimally invasive approach. This umbrella review synthesizes evidence from existing systematic reviews and meta-analyses evaluating the efficacy and safety of EUS-guided gallbladder drainage with LAMSs in high-surgical-risk patients. The pooled data demonstrate that this approach provides effective symptomatic relief, with high technical and clinical success rates and a low incidence of adverse events. The use of EUS allows real-time visualization and precise access to the gallbladder, contributing to the safety and efficacy of the procedure. These results reinforce the expanding role of endoscopic techniques in managing complex biliary conditions, suggesting that the use of diagnostic EUS in combination with LAMS placement can lead to a significant reduction in the need for surgical intervention among frail patients. Full article

Pancreatic pseudocysts (PPs) and walled-off necrosis (WON) are two distinct sequelae of acute and chronic pancreatitis, requiring accurate differentiation to guide appropriate management. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) remain essential for distinguishing PPs from WON, assessing their content, and identifying potential complications. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) has emerged as a key modality for both diagnosis and drainage planning, offering high-resolution imaging and the possibility of real-time aspiration. Management strategies have evolved significantly, shifting from surgical to minimally invasive approaches. Endoscopic drainage, including EUS-guided transmural drainage with double-pigtail or lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMS), has become the preferred strategy for symptomatic or infected collections. Endoscopic necrosectomy is increasingly performed for WON, providing a less invasive alternative to surgical debridement. However, patient selection and procedural techniques remain topics of ongoing debate. The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive synthesis of current evidence regarding the diagnosis and management of pancreatic pseudocyst and walled-off necrosis. We will synthesize current evidence on diagnostic criteria, imaging modalities, and therapeutic algorithms for PPs and WON. We will discuss technical aspects, success rates, and complications associated with drainage modalities, comparing endoscopic, percutaneous, and surgical approaches. Special attention will be given to recent advancements in interventional endoscopy and their impact on patient outcomes. By integrating clinical insights with the latest literature, this review aims to provide an up-to-date reference for clinicians managing pancreatic fluid collections. A literature search was performed using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and MEDLINE databases to identify relevant studies on diagnostic criteria, imaging techniques, and management strategies. Full article

The indications for biliary drainage in cases of pancreatic head tumors with biliary obstruction are well established. ERCP with stent placement has long been the gold standard technique, outperforming surgery or percutaneous drainage. However, in cases of distal malignant biliary obstruction, ERCP becomes more complex, increasing the risk of complications. The advent of therapeutic endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), particularly EUS–choledochoduodenostomy (EUS-CDS) and EUS–hepaticogastrostomy (EUS-HGS), has transformed the management of distal malignant biliary obstruction in the case of pancreatic cancer. EUS-CDS creates communication between the duodenum and the common bile duct. Lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMSs) simplify the procedure, offering high technical and clinical success rates and making the technique easier to perform. Nevertheless, long-term dysfunction rates remain high, necessitating careful definition of procedural indications. EUS-HGS, a more complex technique, connects dilated left bile ducts to the stomach and requires advanced expertise; it is associated with a higher rate of complications. However, its clinical efficacy and technical success are comparable to those of EUS-CDS, and it is the preferred technique in cases of duodenal obstruction or altered anatomy. European and American guidelines currently position EUS-guided biliary drainage (EUS-BD) as a second-line approach after ERCP failure or when ERCP is not feasible, but there is a growing trend toward earlier use. Other techniques are emerging, such as EUS-guided gallbladder drainage (EUS-GBD) and combining EUS-HGS with antegrade stenting, offering valuable alternatives when conventional techniques fail or are inaccessible. Full article

Background/Objectives: Cholecystectomy remains the gold-standard treatment for acute cholecystitis. However, in patients deemed unfit for surgery, alternative gallbladder drainage techniques are required. These include percutaneous gallbladder drainage (PT-GBD), endoscopic transpapillary gallbladder drainage (ET-GBD), and the more recently adopted endoscopic ultrasound-guided gallbladder drainage (EUS-GBD). EUS-GBD has emerged as a promising minimally invasive option, offering high technical and clinical success with fewer complications and need for reinterventions. The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of EUS-GBD in high-risk surgical patients with acute cholecystitis. Methods: We conducted a single-center retrospective study evaluating outcomes of EUS-GBD in a tertiary referral center in Ireland. Data from ten high-risk patients with acute cholecystitis who underwent EUS-GBD using a 15 mm × 10 mm HOT AXIOS lumen-apposing metal stent (LAMS) between October 2017 and September 2018 were analyzed. Parameters assessed included technical and clinical success, adverse events, and 1-year mortality. Results: The mean age of patients was 79.5 years (range 65–95). Technical success of stent placement was achieved in all patients with no immediate complications. A trans-gastric approach was used in 7 patients while a trans-duodenal route was employed in the remaining 3. 1–year mortality following EUS-GBD was 20%. Stents were not removed in any patient in this series. No patient experienced stent-related adverse events, re-occurrence of cholecystitis, or the need for re-intervention. Conclusions: EUS-GBD has very high technical and clinical success rates, with low risk of complications and need for re-intervention in comparison to other options of GB decompression. It is, however, not widely available, and it requires a skilled endoscopist with experience in interventional EUS. Full article

Endoscopy has revolutionized the management of gastrointestinal (GI) conditions, enabling less invasive treatments for cases that once required surgery. Among these innovations, endoscopically placed stents have played a crucial role in the treatment of upper GI tract diseases for many years. Today, stents remain a valid first-line treatment for specific indications; however, advancements in endoscopic technologies have led to a reassessment of their role in some conditions. While stents are still the primary choice for palliation of malignant esophageal strictures, endoscopic vacuum therapy (EVT) has demonstrated superior outcomes for esophageal leaks, and Endoscopic UltraSonography-guided placement of lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMS) has outperformed traditional stents in gastric obstructions. This review evaluates current stent indications, highlighting upper GI conditions where they remain the best option, while also exploring emerging technologies and updated clinical guidelines to optimize patient care. Full article

Pancreatic pseudocysts (PPCs) are frequent complications of acute and chronic pancreatitis, characterized by encapsulated collections of pancreatic fluid. Historically managed by open surgical approaches, treatment paradigms have significantly evolved with advancements in imaging and minimally invasive techniques. This review outlines the historical progression and current standards in PPC management, covering conservative, surgical, laparoscopic, and endoscopic interventions. Conservative management remains a valid first-line option for asymptomatic, stable pseudocysts, particularly in the absence of complications. Surgical techniques, once the mainstay, such as marsupialization and internal drainage procedures (cystogastrostomy, cystojejunostomy, and cystoduodenostomy), now serve as alternatives when less invasive methods fail. Laparoscopic approaches offer reduced morbidity and faster recovery, especially for complex or inaccessible PPCs. However, endoscopic drainage, particularly endoscopic ultrasound-guided transmural drainage using plastic or metal stents—especially lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMSs)—has become the preferred modality due to its efficacy, safety profile, and cost effectiveness. Emerging technologies, including robotic-assisted surgery and hybrid techniques, promise further refinement in PPC management. This review synthesizes current evidence and expert guidelines, providing a comprehensive overview of evolving strategies and future directions in the treatment of PPCs. Full article

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided drainage using lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMSs) has become the standard for managing pancreatic fluid collections (PFCs), especially walled-off necrosis (WON). However, LAMS-specific adverse events (AEs), including bleeding, stent occlusion, and infection, remain a concern. To mitigate these complications, some experts advocate placing coaxial double-pigtail plastic stents (DPPSs) within LAMSs. This narrative review critically examines the evidence from retrospective and prospective studies, one RCT, and recent meta-analyses on this combined approach. While the routine use of coaxial double-pigtail plastic stents (DPPSs) within LAMSs is not universally supported, emerging data suggest benefits in select high-risk scenarios, such as large WON, debris-rich cavities, or disconnected pancreatic duct syndrome (DPDS), in which coaxial DPPS within LAMSs can reduce occlusion, infection, and recurrence. In addition, the type of LAMS appears to influence safety outcomes: the SPAXUS stent shows lower bleeding and migration rates than the Hot AXIOS. We propose a pragmatic algorithm for the patient-tailored use of coaxial DPPS and discuss technical innovations to improve outcomes. While evidence is still evolving, personalized strategies and future high-quality studies are needed to define the optimal role of coaxial DPPS within LAMSs in the EUS-guided drainage of PFCs. Full article

Patients with Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) are a significant challenge for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) due to the altered anatomy. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-directed transgastric ERCP (EDGE) has emerged as a valuable alternative to standard methods like enteroscopy-assisted (EA-ERCP) and laparoscopy-assisted (LA-ERCP) ERCP. EDGE involves creating a temporary fistula between the gastric pouch and the excluded stomach under EUS guidance, typically using a lumen-apposing metal stent (LAMS). This allows a standard ERCP scope to access the second duodenum and the biliary tree with standard devices. Several studies have investigated the efficacy and safety of this approach, with variations in techniques such as suturing the LAMS to prevent migration. EDGE has demonstrated high technical success rates, and current evidence indicates that it can be performed safely, with acceptable rates of adverse events such as stent migration, bleeding, and perforation, making it the preferred option in referral centers. This comprehensive review aims to provide a concise evaluation of EDGE, its techniques, outcomes, and role in managing biliary and pancreatic disorders in RYGB patients. Full article

Background: Peripancreatic collections (PPCs) are a frequent and severe complication of acute and chronic pancreatitis, as well as pancreatic surgery, often requiring interventions to treat and prevent infection, gastric obstruction, and other complications. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided drainage has emerged as a minimally invasive alternative to surgical and percutaneous approaches, offering reduced morbidity and shorter recovery times. However, the effectiveness of EUS-guided drainage in post-surgical PPCs remains underexplored. Methods: This retrospective, single-center study evaluated the technical and clinical outcomes of EUS-guided drainage in patients with PPCs between October 2021 and December 2024. Patients were categorized as having post-pancreatitis or post-surgical PPCs. Technical success, clinical success, complications, recurrence rates, and the need for reintervention were assessed. Results: A total of 50 patients underwent EUS-guided drainage, including 42 (84%) with post-pancreatitis PPCs and 8 (16%) with post-surgical PPCs. The overall technical success rate was 100%, with clinical success achieved in 96% of cases. Lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMSs) were used in 84% of patients, including 7.1% as a dual-gate salvage strategy after the failure of double-pigtail drainage. The complication rate was 24%, with infection being the most common (16%). The recurrence rate was 25%, with no significant difference between post-pancreatitis and post-surgical cases. Patients with walled-off necrosis had a significantly higher reintervention rate (35%) than those with pseudocysts (18%; p = 0.042). Conclusions: EUS-guided drainage is a highly effective and safe intervention for PPCs, including complex post-surgical cases. The 100% technical success rate reinforces its reliability, even in anatomically altered post-surgical collections. While recurrence rates remain a consideration, EUS-guided drainage offers a minimally invasive alternative to surgery, with comparable outcomes in both post-pancreatitis and post-surgical patients. Future multi-center studies should focus on optimizing treatment strategies and reducing recurrence in high-risk populations. Full article

Background/Objectives: Pancreatic fluid collections (PFCs) in acute pancreatitis require drainage when symptomatic or infected. Walled-off necrosis (WON) is difficult to drain with plastic stents alone. A lumen-apposing metal stent (LAMS) offers larger calibre drainage, lower migration risk than conventional methods, and the option of direct endoscopic necrosectomy through the stent. However, the paediatric literature on LAMSs is sparse. We report our institutional experience, and summarise current evidence on the feasibility, efficacy and safety of LAMSs for PFC drainage in children. Methods: We performed a retrospective study at the National University Hospital (NUH) and a full review of the literature on LAMS use in children for endoscopic trans-gastric drainage of PFCs from April 2012 to September 2024. Results: There were, respectively, 2 (males, 10 and 17 years) and 18 children who underwent endoscopic trans-gastric LAMS insertion for drainage of PFCs in acute pancreatitis in the NUH and across the nine included studies, which were published between 2015 and 2024. The technical and clinical success was 100%. There were no complications during insertion or indwell time (28 and 50 days in the NUH and 40 days, range of 7–100 days in the systematic review, respectively). Endoscopic removal of LAMSs was uneventful. There were no recurrent PFCs over a 4-month (1,7 months) and 12-month (range, 2–44 months) follow-up, respectively. Migration of LAMSs to colon following the collapse of the WON was reported in one case. Conclusions: An transgastric LAMS (with trans-stent necrosectomy) is a technically feasible method of drainage of WON following acute pancreatitis in children with minimal complications. Full article