Evaluation of endoscopic ultrasound-guided pancreatic duct drainage and rendezvous technique: A single-center large case series

Abstract

Background and Objectives:Recently, endoscopic ultrasound-guided pancreatic duct (EUS-PD) drainage and rendezvous technique have been advocated as an alternative for patients after failed ERCP. However, the efficacy and safety of these procedures are still unknown. The aim of this study is to retrospectively evaluate the efficacy and safety of the EUS-PD and rendezvous technique.Methods:Until now, 51 patients with acute recurrent pancreatitis due to main pancreatic duct stricture or stenotic pancreatojejunostomy underwent EUS-PD and rendezvous technique.Results:Fifty-one patient’s characteristics are as follows; 23 males; age range, 9–93 years; median, 60 years. Surgically altered anatomy was in 39 and normal anatomy in 12. Rendezvous method was performed in 13, EUS-PD in 33, pancreatography only in 5. Technical success rate was rendezvous in 68.4% (13/19), EUS-PD in 97.1% (33/34), 90.1% (46/51) totally. Clinical success was achieved in all technically succeeded cases (100%, 46/46). Adverse events were seen in 7.8% (4/51), mild pancreatitis in 1, bleeding in 2, and pancreatic fistula in 1. One bleeding case was needed transcatheter arterial embolization for hemostasis. However, there were no stent migration cases.Conclusions:EUS-PD and rendezvous method are feasible and safely performed without severe adverse effects.