Outcomes of endoscopic sclerotherapy for jejunal varices at the site of choledochojejunostomy (with video): Three case reports.

BACKGROUND: Hemorrhage associated with varices at the site of choledochojejunostomy is an unusual, difficult to treat, and often fatal manifestation of portal hypertension. So far, no treatment guidelines have been established. CASE SUMMARY: We reported three patients with jejunal varices at the site of choledochojejunostomy managed by endoscopic sclerotherapy with lauromacrogol/α-butyl cyanoacrylate injection at our institution between June 2021 and August 2023. We reviewed all patient records, clinical presentation, endoscopic findings and treatment, outcomes and follow-up. Three patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy with a Whipple anastomosis were examined using conventional upper gastrointestinal endoscopy for suspected hemorrhage from the afferent jejunal loop. Varices with stigmata of recent hemorrhage or active hemorrhage were observed around the choledochojejunostomy site in all three patients. Endoscopic injection of lauromacrogol/α-butyl cyanoacrylate was carried out at jejunal varices for all three patients. The bleeding ceased and patency was observed for 26 and 2 months in two patients. In one patient with multiorgan failure and internal environment disturbance, rebleeding occurred 1 month after endoscopic sclerotherapy, and despite a second endoscopic sclerotherapy, repeated episodes of bleeding and multiorgan failure resulted in eventual death. CONCLUSION: We conclude that endoscopic sclerotherapy with lauromacrogol/α-butyl cyanoacrylate injection can be an easy, effective, safe and low-cost treatment option for jejunal varicose bleeding at the site of choledochojejunostomy.

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.

Long-term outcomes of choledochoduodenostomy for choledocholithiasis: increased incidence of postoperative cholangitis after total or distal gastrectomy.

PURPOSE: Choledochoduodenostomy (CDD) is performed to treat choledocholithiasis (CDL) cases where endoscopic stone removal is difficult. Recognizing CDD characteristics is important for CDL treatment planning. METHODS: A total of 116 patients, including 33 patients ≥ 80 years old (29 with previous total gastrectomy, 19 with previous distal gastrectomy, 20 with built-up stones, 19 with periampullary diverticulum, 10 with confluence stones, 8 with repetitive recurrent stones, 4 with hard stones, 3 with endoscopic retrograde cholangiography [ERC] not available due to lack of cooperation, 2 with a history of pancreatitis post-ERC, and 2 in whom ERC could not be performed due to a disturbed anatomy) underwent CDD for CDL. Postoperative complications and long-term outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: The in-hospital mortality rate was 0%. The morbidity (grade ≥ IIIA according to the Clavien-Dindo classification) rates in the elderly (≥ 80 years old) and non-elderly (51-79 years old) patients were 3.0% (1/33) and 2.4% (2/83), respectively (p = 0.85). Long-term complications included cholangitis in eight (7%) patients, of which three cases were repetitive and seven had an operative history of total or distal gastrectomy. The incidence of postoperative cholangitis after total or distal gastrectomy was 15% (7/48), which was significantly higher than that involving other causes (1.5%, 1/68; p < 0.01). Two patients with cholangitis after total gastrectomy experienced early recurrence of lithiasis at 2 and 9 months after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: CDD is safe, even in elderly patients. However, a history of total gastrectomy or distal gastrectomy may increase the incidence of postoperative cholangitis.

Pancreatoduodenectomy Following Preoperative Biliary Drainage Using Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Choledochoduodenostomy Versus a Transpapillary Stent: A Multicenter Comparative Cohort Study of the ACHBT-FRENCH-SFED Intergroup.

BACKGROUND: It is unclear whether preoperative biliary drainage (PBD) by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is equivalent to electrocautery-enhanced lumen-apposing metal stent (ECE-LAMS) before pancreatoduodenectomy (PD). METHODS: Patients who underwent PBD for distal malignant biliary obstruction (DMBO) followed by PD were retrospectively included in nine expert centers between 2015 and 2022. ERCP or endoscopic ultrasound-guided choledochoduodenostomy with ECE-LAMS were performed. In intent-to-treat analysis, patients drained with ECE-LAMS were considered the study group (first-LAMS group) and those drained with conventional transpapillary stent the control group (first-cannulation group). The rates of technical success, clinical success, drainage-related complications, surgical complications, and oncological outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: Among 156 patients, 128 underwent ERCP and 28 ECE-LAMS in first intent. The technical and clinical success rates were 83.5% and 70.2% in the first-cannulation group versus 100% and 89.3% in the first-LAMS group (p = 0.02 and p = 0.05, respectively). The overall complication rate over the entire patient journey was 93.7% in first-cannulation group versus 92.0% in first-LAMS group (p = 0.04). The overall endoscopic complication rate was 30.5% in first-cannulation group versus 17.9% in first-LAMS group (p = 0.25). The overall complication rate after PD was higher in the first-cannulation group than in the first-LAMS group (92.2% versus 75.0%, p = 0.016). Overall survival and progression-free survival did not differ between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: PBD with ECE-LAMS is easier to deploy and more efficient than ERCP in patients with DMBO. It is associated with less surgical complications after pancreatoduodenectomy without compromising the oncological outcome.

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.

OBJECTIVES: Long-term outcomes of endoscopic ultrasound-guided choledochoduodenostomy (EUS-CDS) performed with lumen apposing metal stents (LAMS) have been poorly evaluated in small or retrospective series, leading to an underestimation of LAMS dysfunction. METHODS: All consecutive EUS-CDS performed in three academic referral centers were included in prospectively maintained databases. Technical/clinical success, adverse events (AEs), and dysfunction during follow-up were retrospectively analyzed. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to estimate dysfunction-free survival (DFS), with Cox proportional hazard regression to evaluate independent predictors of dysfunction. RESULTS: Ninety-three patients were included (male 56%; mean age, 70 years [95% confidence interval (CI) 68-72]; pancreatic cancer 81%, metastatic disease 47%). In 67% of procedures, 6 mm LAMS were used. Technical and clinical success were achieved in 97.8% and 93.4% of patients, respectively, with AEs occurring in 9.7% (78% mild/moderate). Dysfunction occurred in 31.8% of patients after a mean of 166 days (95% CI 91-241), with an estimated 6 month and 12 month DFS of 75% and 52%, respectively; mean DFS of 394 (95% CI 307-482) days. Almost all dysfunctions (96%) were successfully managed by endoscopic reintervention. Duodenal invasion (hazard ratio 2.7 [95% CI 1.1-6.8]) was the only independent predictor of dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic ultrasound-guided choledochoduodenostomy shows excellent initial efficacy and safety, although stent dysfunctions occurs frequently during long-term follow-up. Almost all stent dysfunctions can be managed successfully by endoscopic reinterventions. We propose a comprehensive classification of the different types of dysfunction that may be encountered and rescue procedures that may be employed under these circumstances. Duodenal invasion seems to increase the risk of developing EUS-CDS dysfunction, potentially representing a relative contraindication for this technique.

Residual choledocholithiasis after choledocholithotomy T-tube drainage: what is the best intervention strategy?

BACKGROUND: The best intervention approach for residual choledocholithiasis after choledocholithotomy T-tube drainage remains controversial, especially during the period of indwelling T tube and the formation of a sinus. The purpose of the study was to estimate the effects of two therapeutic modalities, namely endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and choledochfiberscope via the T-tube sinus tract (CDS) on residual choledocholithiasis after choledocholithotomy T-tube drainage. METHODS: A total of 112 patients with residual choledocholithiasis after choledochotomy were included in the study, 50 of which underwent ERCP and 62 patients experienced choledochoscopy via the T-tube sinus tract. The primary outcome measures included the success rate of remove biliary stones, T-tube drainage time, and the average length of hospital stay. The secondary objective was to consider incidence of adverse events including cholangitis, bile leakage, T-tube migration, pancreatitis, bleeding and perforation. After hospital discharge, patients were followed up for two years and the recurrence of choledocholithiasis was recorded. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the success rate of stone removal between the two groups. Compared to CDS group, T-tube drainage time and the average length of hospital stay was significantly shorter in the ERCP group. The incidence of complications (cholangitis and bile leakage) in the ERCP group was lower than that in the CDS group, but there was no statistically significant difference. When the T-tube sinus tract is not maturation, ERCP was the more appropriate endoscopic intervention to remove residual choledocholithiasis, particularly complicated with cholangitis at this time period. CONCLUSIONS: ERCP is a safe and effective endoscopic intervention to remove residual choledocholithiasis after choledocholithotomy T-tube Drainage without the condition of T-tube sinus tract restriction.

Comparative study of three common bile duct closure techniques after choledocholithotomy: safety and efficacy.

PURPOSE: T-tube drainage, primary closure, and biliary stenting are the common bile duct closure methods. There is great debate on the optimal duct closure technique after common bile duct exploration. This study aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of the three commonest common bile duct closure methods after common bile duct exploration for common bile duct stone for future generalization. METHODS: In this analysis, 211 patients with common bile duct stone underwent common bile duct exploration from January 2016 to December 2020. The patients were divided according to common bile duct closure techniques into three groups, including the T-tube drainage group (63 patients), primary duct closure group (61 patients), and antegrade biliary stenting group (87 patients). RESULTS: The incidence of overall biliary complications and bile leak were statistically significantly lower in the biliary stenting group than in the other two groups. Also, hospital stays, drain carried time, return to normal activity, re-intervention, and re-admission rates were statistically significantly lower in the biliary stenting group than in the other two groups. There were no statistically significant differences regarding operative and choledochotomy time, retained and recurrent stone, stricture, biliary peritonitis, cholangitis, and the cost among the three groups. CONCLUSIONS: We state that the biliary stenting procedure should be the preferred first option for common bile duct closure after common bile duct exploration when compared with T-tube drainage and primary duct closure. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov PRS (Approval No. NCT04264299).

Palliative laparoscopic Roux-en-Y choledochojejunostomy as a feasible treatment option for malignant distal biliary obstruction.

PURPOSES: The advantages of surgical bypass for patients with distal biliary obstruction caused by advanced periampullary cancer include a low risk of recurrent biliary obstruction; however, the highly invasive nature of the operation limits its use. Herein, we present the clinical findings of patients who underwent laparoscopic Roux-en-Y choledochojejunostomy (LRYCJ) compared with those who underwent endoscopic stent insertion. METHODS: We reviewed, retrospectively, the palliative care outcomes for malignant bile duct obstruction according to the type of intervention: LRYCJ vs. endoscopic stenting. After initial intervention, the factors predisposing to recurrent biliary obstruction (RBO) were identified via multiple regression analysis. RESULTS: The final analysis included 28 patients treated with LRYCJ (22.4%) and 97 patients who underwent endoscopic stent insertion (77.6%). The two groups did not differ in the incidence of early or late complications and mortality; however, the LRYCJ group had a lower incidence of RBO (4 patients, 14.3% vs. 73 patients, 75.3%; p < 0.001). As a predisposing factor for RBO, endoscopic stenting was the only highly significant predictor (OR 16.956, CI 5.140-55.935, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: LRYCJ represents an attractive option for palliation of malignant distal biliary obstruction, with improved biliary-tract patency and less need for subsequent interventions such as additional stenting.

Surgical Treatment for Choledocholithiasis Following Repeated Failed Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is the first line treatment for choledocholithiasis. In many occasions, several attempts of ERCP are performed until failure is declared and surgical treatment is applied, in many times following procedure-related complications. We present the results of surgical management of patients with choledocholithiasis following repeated failures of ERCP due to impaction of multiple large stones. METHODS: Patients that underwent surgical treatment for choledocholithiasis following repeated ERCP attempts between January 2006 and December 2018 were retrospectively assessed. Post-ERCP complications were evaluated and the surgical approach, technique, and outcomes were assessed. RESULTS: One hundred and two patients were operated on for choledocholithiasis following repeated failed ERCP. All the patients had at least 2 failed attempts (mean = 3.2 ± 1.7), and 25 (23.5%) suffered major ERCP-related complications. Following choledochotomy and stone extraction, bilioenteric anastomosis was done in the vast majority of patients (90.2%), most commonly choledochoduodenostomy (62%). Thirty-eight (37%) patients had minimally invasive procedure (laparoscopic n = 26, robotic assisted n = 12). Major post-operative complications (Clavien-Dindo ≥ 3) occurred in 24 patients (23.5%). Nine patients (8.8%) were re-operated and 10 (9.8%) were readmitted within 30 days from surgery. Three patients died within 30 days from surgery. Older patients had significantly more ERCP attempts and suffered higher post-operative mortality. During a median follow-up of 70 months, the only biliary complication was an anastomotic stricture in one patient. CONCLUSION: Surgery for CBDS after failure of ERCP is safe and provides a highly effective long-term solution.

Relief of jaundice in malignant biliary obstruction: When should we consider endoscopic ultrasonography-guided hepaticogastrostomy as an option?

BACKGROUND: Since it was first described in 2001, endoscopic ultrasonography-guided biliary drainage (EUS-BD) has emerged as an alternative procedure for achieving an endoscopic internal drainage in case of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) failure. Biliary drainage can be achieved by either a transduodenal extrahepatic approach through EUS-guided choledochoduodenostomy (EUS-CDS), or a transgastric intrahepatic approach, namely EUS-guided hepaticogastrostomy (EUS-HGS) which already holds a remarkable place in the treatment of patients with malignant biliary obstruction. DATA SOURCES: For this review we did a comprehensive search of PubMed/MEDLINE from inception to May 31, 2021 for papers with a significant sample size (at least 20 patients enrolled) dealing with EUS-HGS. Data on technical success, clinical success and rate of adverse events were collected. RESULTS: A total of 22 studies with different design, comprising 874 patients, were included. Technical success was achieved in about 96% of cases (ranging from 65% to 100%). Clinical success was obtained in almost 91% of cases (ranging from 76% to 100%). Overall rate of adverse events was 19% (ranging from 0% to 35%). Abdominal pain, self-limiting pneumoperitoneum, bile leak, cholangitis, bleeding, perforation and intraperitoneal migration of the stent were the most common. CONCLUSIONS: Despite both safety and efficacy profile, at the moment HGS still remains a challenging procedure at every single step and must therefore be conducted by a very experienced endoscopist in interventional EUS and ERCP procedures, who is able to deal with the possible severe adverse events of this procedure. A rapid introduction in clinical practice of dedicated devices is desiderable.

Choledochoduodenostomy is associated with fewer post-transplant biliary complications compared to Roux-en-Y in primary sclerosing cholangitis patients.

BACKGROUND: For primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) patients undergoing liver transplantation (LT), a consensus regarding biliary reconstruction remains unresolved. Choledochoduodenostomy (CDD) represents an alternative to Roux-en-Y (RY) and duct-to-duct. We compared long-term post-transplant outcomes between CDD and RY. METHODS: This was a retrospective review of patients transplanted for PSC who received CDD or RY, with minimum 12-months follow-up. The primary outcome was need for biliary intervention, with either percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTC) or endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Secondary outcomes included biliary stricture(s) and cholangitis admission(s). RESULTS: Ninety-three patients were transplanted between August 2004 and October 2019 (34 living donor [LDLT] and 59 deceased donor [DDLT]; 40 RY, 53 CDD). Need for either ERCP or PTC was similar (45.0% RY vs. 32.1% CDD, P = .203), though RY exhibited more anastomotic strictures (AS) (35.0% RY vs. 11.3% CDD, P = .006), which was also observed in LDLT subanalyses (50.0% LDLT/RY vs. 10.0% LDLT/CDD; P = .036). Cholangitis admissions were more frequent in RY versus CDD (37.5% vs. 15.1%, P = .013). CONCLUSIONS: CDD does not impart greater risk of biliary complications, and RY may have an incremental effect combined with LDLT status for predisposing to AS. CDD maintains standard endoscopic access without additional risk of biliary complications, thus should be considered when anatomically feasible.

Impact of previous history of choledochojejunostomy on the incidence of organ/space surgical site infection after hepatectomy.

PURPOSE: Impact of previous history of choledochojejunostomy (PCJ) on the incidence of organ/space surgical site infection (SSI) after hepatectomy remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence and causes of SSI after hepatectomy. METHODS: Patients who underwent hepatectomy of ≤1 Couinaud's sector between January 2011 and September 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Incidence of and risk factors for organ/space SSI (Clavien-Dindo grade ≥2) after hepatectomy were investigated. RESULTS: Among 750 hepatectomies, 18 patients (2.4%) had a medical history of PCJ. Incidence of organ/space SSI was higher in patients with PCJ (50%) than in those without PCJ (3%, P < 0.001), and the trend was consistent even after estimated propensity score matched cohort. Multivariate analysis showed PCJ was a strong risk factor for organ/space SSI (grade ≥2), with the highest odds ratios (OR) among all other clinicopathological risk factors (OR, 32.25; P < 0.001). Among hepatectomies with PCJ, pneumobilia (OR, 12.25; P = 0.015), operation time ≥171 min (OR, 12.25; P = 0.016), and liver steatosis (OR, 24.00; P ≤ 0.005) were associated with organ/space SSI after hepatectomy. CONCLUSION: Previous history of choledochojejunostomy was a strong risk factor for organ/space SSI after hepatectomy. The high rate of organ/space SSI after hepatectomy with PCJ might be attributed to intrahepatic bile duct contamination, increased operation time, and histological liver steatosis.

Comparison of endoscopic ultrasound-guided choledochoduodenostomy and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in first-line biliary drainage for malignant distal bile duct obstruction: A multicenter randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: In patients with malignant distal bile duct obstruction and normal gastrointestinal anatomy, endoscopic ultrasound-guided choledochoduodenostomy (EUS-CDS) is indicated when endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) fails. The ERCP drainage route passes through the tumor, whereas the EUS-CDS route does not. Therefore, EUS-CDS is expected to have a longer stent patency than ERCP. However, for first-line biliary drainage, it remains unclear whether EUS-CDS or ERCP is superior in terms of stent patency. To reduce the frequency of highly adverse events (AEs) such as bile peritonitis or stent migration following EUS-CDS, we developed an antimigration metal stent with a thin delivery system for tract dilatation. This study is designed to assess whether EUS-CDS with this novel stent is superior to ERCP with a traditional metal stent in terms of stent patency when the two techniques are used for first-line drainage of malignant distal biliary obstruction. METHODS/DESIGN: This study is a multicenter single-blinded randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving 95 patients in four tertiary centers. Patients with malignant distal biliary obstruction that is unresectable or presents a very high surgical risk and who pass the inclusion and exclusion criteria will be randomized to EUS-CDS or ERCP in a 1:1 proportion. The primary endpoint is the stent patency rate 180 days after stent insertion. Secondary outcomes include the rates of technical success, clinical success, technical success in cases not requiring fistulous-tract dilation (only EUS-CDS group), procedure-related AEs, re-intervention success, patients receiving post-drainage chemotherapy, procedure time, and overall survival time. DISCUSSION: If EUS-CDS is superior to ERCP in terms of stent patency and safety for the first-line drainage of malignant distal biliary obstruction, it is expected that the first-line drainage method will be changed from ERCP to EUS-CDS, and that interruption of chemotherapy due to stent dysfunction can be avoided. TRIAL REGISTRATION: University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN-CTR), ID: UMIN000041343. Registered on August 6, 2020. https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr_e/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000047201Version number: 1.2, December 7, 2020.

Choledochoduodenostomy versus hepaticojejunostomy - a matched case-control analysis.

BACKGROUND: Choledochoduodenostomy (CD) is believed to cause certain long-term complications, such as sump syndrome and reflux gastritis. Therefore, CD is considered inferior to a Roux-and-Y hepaticojejunostomy (HJ). The aim of this study was to compare short- and long-term outcomes following CD and HJ for benign biliary diseases. METHODS: This was a retrospective, matched case-control study of patients undergoing biliary-digestive anastomosis for benign diseases between 2000 and 2016 in a tertiary centre. Patients undergoing CD and HJ were matched 1:1 based on age, sex, ASA-classification, indication, history of abdominal surgery or acute cholecystitis/pancreatitis. Short- and long-term outcomes were compared. RESULTS: Of 336 patients undergoing biliary-digestive anastomoses, 27 patients underwent CD. Matching resulted in two comparable groups of 26 patients each. Overall morbidity after HJ and CD was comparable: 30.8% versus 26.9% (p>0.999). Long-term complications occurred in 23.1% after HJ, and in 50% after CD (p=0.118). After CD, 2 patients (7.7%) developed sump syndrome. Both patients with an anastomotic stricture after HJ could be managed by endoscopic/radiological re-intervention, whilst all six patients with a stricture after CD required surgical re-intervention (p=0.016). CONCLUSION: Although short-term complications were comparable, the number of anastomotic strictures was higher in patients undergoing CD. We therefore conclude that HJ is the biliary bypass of choice while CD should be performed in selected patients only.

Pancreaticoduodenectomy following endoscopic ultrasound-guided choledochoduodenostomy with electrocautery-enhanced lumen-apposing stents an ACHBT - SFED study.

BACKGROUND: After ERCP failure or if ERCP is declined for preoperative biliary drainage before pancreaticoduodenectomy, endoscopic ultrasound-guided choledochoduodenostomy (EUS-CDS) with electrocautery-enhanced lumen-apposing stents (ECE-LAMS) might be needed. The aim of the present study was to assess the technical feasibility and short-term outcomes of pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) following endoscopic ultrasound-guided choledochoduodenostomy (EUS-CDS) with electrocautery-enhanced lumen-apposing stents (ECE-LAMS). METHODS: A retrospective study of all EUS-CDS procedures with ECE-LAMS followed by PD performed in France since the availability of the device in 2016. RESULTS: 21 patients underwent PD in 9 departments of surgery following EUS-CDS with ECE-LAMS. The median bilirubin level at endoscopic procedure was 292 µmol/L. A 6 mm diameter stent was used in 20 cases. No complications occurred during the procedure. During the waiting time, 1 patient had an acute pancreatitis post ERCP and 3 patients developed cholangitis, treated by either an additional percutaneous biliary drainage, or an endoscopic procedure to extract a bezoar occluding the stent, or antibiotics, respectively. PD with a curative intent was performed in all cases. Overall, postoperative mortality was nil and postoperative morbidity occurred in 17 patients (81%), including 3 with severe complications (14%). No patient developed postoperative biliary fistula. In the 21 patients followed at least 6 months, no biliary complications occurred, and no tumor recurrence developed on the hepaticojejunostomy/hepatic pedicle. CONCLUSION: Pancreaticoduodenectomy following EUS-CDS with ECE-LAMS is technically feasible with acceptable short-term postoperative outcome, including healing of biliary anastomosis.

Comparison Study between Double Bare Covered and Fully Covered Metal Stent during Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Choledochoduodenostomy (with Video).

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic ultrasound-guided choledochoduodenostomy (EUS-CDS) is a common technique for biliary drainage. However, EUS-CDS is associated with adverse events such as cystic duct obstruction, stent dislocation, and stent kinking caused by powerful axial force. A novel double-bare, covered self-expandable metal stent (DBSEMS) has recently become available in Japan. This pilot study evaluated the clinical outcomes of EUS-CDS using DBSEMS. METHOD: We retrospectively enrolled patients with malignant lower bile duct obstruction who underwent EUS-CDS due to failed endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). EUS-CDS procedures performed between April 2017 and March 2018 used a conventional fully covered self-expandable metal stent (FCSEMS), and those performed between April 2018 and April 2019 used DBSEMS. In all stents, the diameter was 10 mm and length was 6 cm. RESULTS: A total of 22 patients underwent EUS-CDS, performed using conventional FCSEMS (n = 12) and DBSEMS (n = 10). Four complications occurred with FCSEMS: cholangitis due to kinking (n = 3) and stent dislocation (n = 1). With DBSEMS, there were no instances of kinking, and reflux cholangitis that developed in 1 patient due to duodenal obstruction was resolved by duodenal stenting. Elapsed time to recurrent biliary obstruction was longer with DBSEMS than FCSEMS (200 vs. 99 days), although the difference was not significant (p = 0.06). CONCLUSION: BSEMS can help prevent cholangitis due to stent kinking after EUS-CDS, thus increasing stent patency.