A review on recent advances in antibiotic therapy for endoscopic ultrasound-guided pancreatic tumor biopsy

Abstract

Pancreatic tumors requiring biopsy present a clinical challenge necessitating precise interventions. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) has emerged as a crucial tool for guiding these biopsies, offering real-time imaging and enhanced procedural accuracy. However, infectious complications following EUS-guided procedures, particularly needle punctures, underscore the importance of judicious antibiotic therapy. This review explores recent literature focusing on refining antibiotic strategies to minimize infection-related complications associated with EUS-guided pancreatic tumor biopsies. A comprehensive search across electronic databases identified 362 articles, with 32 meeting inclusion criteria for full-text assessment. The selected articles encompassed a variety of study designs, including retrospective and prospective studies, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and reviews, reflecting the evolving nature of research in this field. The primary objective of this review is to critically evaluate recent literature on the necessity of antibiotic therapy and prophylaxis following EUS-guided pancreatic tumor biopsy. The discussion highlights the lack of consensus in establishing standardized antibiotic protocols for EUS-guided pancreatic tumor biopsy, with varying approaches from broad-spectrum prophylaxis to tailored therapeutic interventions. Factors such as needle type, number of passes, and the presence of cystic lesions contribute to distinct infectious risk profiles, necessitating a nuanced approach to antibiotic selection and duration.