EUS-guided Drainage Of Pancreatic Fluid Collections Research Articles

Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Drainage of Pancreatic Fluid Collections: Not All Queries Are Already Solved.

Pancreatic fluid collections (PFCs) are well-known complications of acute pancreatitis. The overinfection of these collections leads to a worsening of the prognosis with an increase in the morbidity and mortality rate. The primary strategy for managing infected pancreatic necrosis (IPN) or symptomatic PFCs is a minimally invasive step-up approach, with endosonography-guided (EUS-guided) transmural drainage and debridement as the preferred and less invasive method. Different stents are available to drain PFCs: self-expandable metal stents (SEMSs), double pigtail stents (DPPSs), or lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMSs). In particular, LAMSs are useful when direct endoscopic necrosectomy is needed, as they allow easy access to the necrotic cavity; however, the rate of adverse events is not negligible, and to date, the superiority over DPPSs is still debated. Moreover, the timing for necrosectomy, the drainage technique, and the concurrent medical management are still debated. In this review, we focus attention on indications, timing, techniques, complications, and particularly on aspects that remain under debate concerning the EUS-guided drainage of PFCs.

Lumen-apposing metal stents versus traditional self-expanding metal stents for endoscopic ultrasound-guided drainage of pancreatic fluid collections: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Endoscopic drainage has become the preferred treatment for pancreatic fluid collections (PFCs). There is still a lack of reliable evidence to prove which metal stent is the best choice for endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided drainage of PFCs. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMS) compared to traditional self-expanding metal stents (SEMS) in meta-analysis. We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library up to July 15, 2023. Relevant publications that compared LAMS with traditional SEMS for drainage of patients' PFCs under EUS-guidance were included. This meta-analysis assessed endpoints using Review Manager 5.3 and Stata 14.0 statistical software. Nine citations comprising 707 patients with PFCs were included. The clinical success rate of LAMS tended to be higher than that of SEMS (RR = 1.07, 95%CI [1.00, 1.15], P = 0.05). LAMS had a lower technical success rate (RR = 0.97, 95%CI [0.94, 0.99], P = 0.02) and faster procedure time (minutes) (MD = - 24.29, 95%CI [- 25.59, - 22.99], P < 0.00001) compared to SEMS. In addition, LAMS had fewer overall adverse events (RR = 0.64, 95%CI [0.48, 0.87], P = 0.004). For specific adverse events, LAMS had fewer migration (RR = 0.37, 95%CI [0.19, 0.72], P = 0.003), occlusion (RR = 0.43, 95%CI [0.22, 0.82], P = 0.01) and infection (RR = 0.38, 95%CI [0.20, 0.70], P = 0.002). There was no significant difference in bleeding and perforation between the two stents. For hospital stay (days), LAMS group was similar to SEMS group (MD = - 3.34, 95%CI [- 7.71, - 1.03], P = 0.13). Regarding recurrence, LAMS group was fewer than SEMS group (RR = 0.41, 95%CI [0.21, 0.78], P = 0.007). Compared to traditional SEMS, LAMS has a higher clinical success rate, faster procedure time, fewer adverse events, similar hospital stay and lower recurrence rate in EUS-guided drainage of PFCs. LAMS is a good choice with a high technical success rate over 95%, and using a shorter length or "one-step" operation can further improve it. Richer placement experience is required for LAMS placement under EUS-guidance.

Impact of endoprosthesis type on inflammatory response in patients undergoing endoscopic drainage of pancreatic fluid collections.

To study the impact of endoprosthesis type on inflammatory response in patients undergoing endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided drainage of pancreatic fluid collections (PFC). Patients undergoing EUS-guided PFC drainage and treated using lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMS) or plastic endoprostheses constituted the study cohort. The primary outcome was the presence of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) after index intervention. Secondary outcomes were persistent organ failure, new onset organ failure, duration of hospitalization, and treatment success. In all, 303 patients were treated using LAMS (n = 247) or plastic stents (n = 56). At 48 h postintervention, the presence of SIRS (25.0 vs. 14.2%, P = 0.047), new onset SIRS (10.0 vs. 1.8%, P = 0.017), and new organ failure (5.4 vs. 0.4%, P = 0.003) were significantly higher in the plastic stent cohort compared to LAMS. On multivariable logistic regression analysis, the use of plastic stents (odds ratio [OR] 2.7, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2-6.0, P = 0.014), patients receiving high-acuity care (OR 5.1, 95% CI 2.5-10.4, P < 0.001) and the presence of ≥33% of necrosis (OR 4.5, 95% CI 2.0-10.0, P < 0.001) were significantly associated with the presence of SIRS or new organ failure. While there was no significant difference in treatment success (96.4 vs. 95.5%, P = 0.77), duration of hospitalization was significantly longer for the plastic stent cohort (mean [standard deviation] 12.5 [17.8] vs. 7.9 [10.1] days, P = 0.009). Use of plastic stents as compared to LAMS was associated with a higher proportion of SIRS and new organ failure that prolonged hospital stay. Therefore, placement of LAMS is recommended in sick patients and those with ≥33% necrosis to minimize inflammatory response.

Outcomes of Endoscopic Drainage in Children with Pancreatic Fluid Collections: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

PurposeEndoscopic drainage is an established treatment modality for adult patients with pancreatic fluid collections (PFCs). Available data regarding the efficacy and safety of endoscopic drainage in pediatric patients are limited. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to analyze the outcomes of endoscopic drainage in children with PFCs.MethodsA literature search was performed in Embase, PubMed, and Google Scholar for studies on the outcomes of endoscopic drainage with or without endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) guidance in pediatric patients with PFCs from inception to May 2021. The study’s primary objective was clinical success, defined as resolution of PFCs. The secondary outcomes included technical success, adverse events, and recurrence rates.ResultsFourteen studies (187 children, 70.3% male) were included in this review. The subtypes of fluid collection included pseudocysts (60.3%) and walled-off necrosis (39.7%). The pooled technical success rates in studies where drainage of PFCs were performed with and without EUS guidance were 95.3% (95% confidence interval [CI], 89.6–98%; I2=0) and 93.9% (95% CI, 82.6–98%; I2=0), respectively. The pooled clinical success after one and two endoscopic interventions were 88.7% (95% CI, 82.7–92.9%; I2=0) and 92.3% (95% CI, 87.4–95.4%; I2=0), respectively. The pooled rate of major adverse events was 6.3% (95% CI, 3.3–11.4%; I2=0). The pooled rate of recurrent PFCs after endoscopic drainage was 10.4% (95% CI, 6.1–17.1%; I2=0).ConclusionEndoscopic drainage is safe and effective in children with PFCs. However, future studies are required to compare endoscopic and EUS-guided drainage of PFCs in children.

A novel value-based scoring system for endoscopic ultrasound-guided drainage of pancreatic fluid collections: a single-centre comparative study of plastic and lumen-apposing metal stents (NOVA study)

Healthcare resources are finite. Value in healthcare can be defined as patient health outcomes achieved per monetary unit spent. Attempts have been made to quantify the value of luminal endoscopy, but there is little in the medical literature describing the value of the complex therapeutic endoscopic activity. This study aimed to characterise the value of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided drainage of pancreatic fluid collections (PFCs) with either plastic or lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMSs). This is a single-centre, retrospective-prospective comparative study of 39 patients, who underwent EUS-guided PFC drainage between 2009 and 2018. Procedure value was calculated using the formula Q/(T/C), where Q is the quality of procedure adjusted for complications, T procedure duration and C is the complexity adjustment. Quality and complexity were estimated on a 1-4 Likert scale based on the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy criteria. Time (in minutes) was recorded from the patient entering and leaving the procedure room. Endoscopy time calculated from procedure time was considered a surrogate marker of cost as individual components of procedure cost were not itemized. Of 39 identified patients who underwent EUS-guided PFC drainage, 11 received double pigtail plastic stents (DPPSs) and 28 received LAMSs. The two groups were comparable in age, gender and aetiology. Nearly 40% of the LAMS interventions were considered high value but only 11% of the plastic stent interventions achieved the same. The difference predominantly was due to a higher rate of complications and longer procedure time. In this single-centre study, EUS-guided PFC drainage using LAMS was found to be a higher value procedure compared to the use of DPPS.

Impact of disconnected pancreatic duct syndrome on endoscopic ultrasound-guided drainage of pancreatic fluid collections.

Endoscopic intervention for pancreatic fluid collections (PFCs) with disconnected pancreatic duct syndrome (DPDS) has been associated with failures and increased need for additional endoscopic and non-endoscopic interventions. The primary aim of this study was to determine the outcomes of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided transmural drainage of PFCs in patients with DPDS. In patients undergoing EUS-guided drainage of PFCs from January 2013 to January 2018, demographic profiles, procedural indications and details, adverse events, outcomes, and subsequent interventions were retrospectively collected. Overall treatment success was determined by PFC resolution on follow-up imaging or stent removal without recurrence. EUS-guided drainage of PFCs was performed in 141 patients. DPDS was present in 57 of them (40 %) and walled-off necrosis was the most frequent type of PFC (55 %). DPDS was not associated with lower clinical success, increased number of repeat interventions, or increased time to PFC resolution. Patients with DPDS were more likely to be treated with permanent transmural plastic double-pigtail stents (odds ratio [OR] 6.4; 95 % confidence interval [CI] 2.5 - 16.5; P < 0.001). However, when stents were removed, DPDS was associated with increased PFC recurrence after stent removal (OR 8.0; 95 %CI 1.2 - 381.8; P = 0.04). DPDS frequently occurs in patients with PFCs but does not negatively impact successful resolution. DPDS is associated with increased PFC recurrence after stent removal.

Lumen-apposing metal stent placement for drainage of pancreatic fluid collections: predictors of adverse events

Although rare in occurrence, adverse events such as delayed bleeding and buried stent syndrome have been reported after lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMS) placement in patients undergoing endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided drainage...

934 Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Drainage of Pancreatic Fluid Collections Using AXIOS Electrocautery Enhanced Delivery System a Retrospective Experience at a Large Quaternary Care Center

INTRODUCTION: Pancreatic fluid collections (PFC) are common complications of acute pancreatitis, surgery, or trauma. Many PFC reabsorb spontaneously but the remainder create cystic structures filled with fluid and/or with necrotic debris. Since the development of lumen apposing metal stents (LAMS) first line treatment of PFCs are with EUS guided drainage. However, despite the high technical and clinical success of the commonly used Electrocautery Enhanced AXIOS LAMS (EEAL), outcome data is still scarce. METHODS: An IRB approved, retrospective chart review, was performed on EUS-guided drainage of PFC using EEAL at a large quaternary care, teaching hospital. Specific procedural data including technical success rate, adverse events, and length of stay were collected. Descriptive statistics were then used to report outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 43 EEAL were used in the treatment of pancreatic pseudocysts (41.9%) and walled off pancreatic necrosis (65.1%). LAMS were placed successfully in 100% of procedures and required revisions in 28.6% of patients. Adverse events occurred in 16.3% of interventions: 2 bleeding events (4.7%), 3 stent migrations (7%), 1 pigtail stent occlusion (2.4%) and 1 spontaneous pancreatic fistula formation (2.4%). Only 2 patients (4.8%) required subsequent surgical resection. The average hospital stay after the procedure was 6.79 days (median of 3 days) and stents were ultimately removed on average at 24.68 days. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated 100% technical success rate. Of the recorded adverse events after EEAL use in drainage of PFC most were subclinical and minor. Importantly, only two patients required further surgical intervention to obtain desired outcome. Furthermore, length of stay was particularly low with median hospital stay of 3 days. Ultimately, this study highlights how EEAL provides high value care by providing an efficient intervention in a cost-feasible length of time. Further ongoing prospective studies will help determine the utility of EEAL in the practice setting.

Algorithm for the multidisciplinary management of hemorrhage in EUS-guided drainage for pancreatic fluid collections.

Pancreatic fluid collections (PFCs), common sequelae of acute or chronic pancreatitis, are broadly classified as pancreatic pseudocysts or walled-off necrosis according to the revised Atlanta classification. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided drainage is often considered a standard first-line therapy preferable to surgical or interventional radiology approaches for patients with symptomatic PFC. EUS-guided drainage is effective and successful; it has a technical success rate of 90%-100% and a clinical success rate of 85%-98%. Recent studies have shown a 5%-30% adverse events (AEs) rate for the procedure. The most common AEs include infection, hemorrhage, perforation and stent migration. Hemorrhage, a severe and sometimes deadly outcome, requires a well-organized and appropriate treatment strategy. However, few studies have reported the integrated management of hemorrhage during EUS-guided drainage of PFC. Establishing a practical therapeutic strategy is an essential and significant step in standardized management. The aim of this review is to describe the current situation of EUS-guided drainage of PFCs, including the etiology and treatment of procedure-related bleeding as well as current problems and future perspectives. We propose a novel and meaningful algorithm for systematically managing hemorrhage events. To our limited knowledge, a multidisciplinary algorithm for managing EUS-guided drainage for PFC-related bleeding has not been previously reported.

Endoscopic drainage of pancreatic fluid collections by use ofanovel biflanged stent with electrocautery-enhanced deliverysystem.

Endoscopic drainage of pancreatic fluid collections by use ofanovel biflanged stent with electrocautery-enhanced deliverysystem.

Su1357 A NEW COLLECTION: REMOVAL AND REPLACEMENT OF THE SAME LUMEN-APPOSING METAL STENT FOR MULTIPLE ENDOSCOPIC NECROSECTOMY SESSIONS

The recently approved lumen-apposing self-expandable metal stent (LAMS) provides safe and effective transmural drainage of pancreatic fluid collections (PFC). Large walled-off necrosis (WON) require multiple direct endoscopic necrosectomy (DEN) through the stent. However, the amount of necrotic material extracted is limited by the inner diameter of the stent. Removal of LAMS can facilitate DEN by improving scope maneuverability through the cystogastrostomy and allow removal of larger solid necrotic debris. The aim of this study is to evaluate the feasibility and safety of this novel technique of removal and replacement of the same LAMS to facilitate endoscopic necrosectomy. A retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database of all patients undergoing EUS-guided drainage of PFC via cautery-enhanced LAMS was performed. Patients with WON who underwent more than one necrosectomy session with removal and replacement of LAMS from 01/2017 to 11/2017 were included. All patients underwent fluoroless EUS-guided transgastric cautery-enhanced LAMS for perigastric WON in the usual fashion. During subsequent endoscopy for DEN, the LAMS was initially removed using a snare or rat-toothed forceps. The WON cavity was entered through the cystgastrostomy, which provided enhanced access and maneuverability to perform DEN. At the end of session, the same LAMS was manually inserted inside the distal tip of the gastroscope and deployed across the cystogastrostomy at the end of each session (Fig 1). A total of 17 patients (mean age 38.4±14.7 years; 88% males) were included. The mean size of WON was 10.4±3.5 cm by 9±3.7 cm. The mean interval from EUS-guided LAMS placement to first endoscopic necrosectomy session was 20.4±13.3 days. Median number of sessions required was 2 (range 1-5; mean 2.3). Complete resolution was achieved after a median of 2 (range 1-5) DEN sessions with stent retrieval after 8.1±6.4 weeks. This modification provided better visualization of deeper recesses as well as improved scope tip maneuverability even allowing for scope tip retroflexion within the cavity as needed. Snare was used in all sessions with removal of larger necrotic pieces with each pass, leading to less number of passes, shorter duration of procedure, and less number of sessions, compared to the results of a recently published meta-analysis (2.3 vs. 4.09; p <0.05). LAMS was successfully replaced across the cystgastrostomy tract during all sessions (n=39). No stent migration was noted. There was no evidence of stent damage or tissue ingrowth. Our study demonstrates removal and replacement of LAMS during multiple endoscopic necrosectomies is feasible, safe, and facilitates DEN with reduction in procedure duration and number of sessions. Intentional removal of the stent should be considered when a large necrosectomy is done.

Feasibility, safety, and outcomes of a single-step endoscopic ultrasonography-guided drainage of pancreatic fluid collections without fluoroscopy using a novel electrocautery-enhanced lumen-apposing, self-expanding metal stent.

Background and Objectives:There are currently limited data available regarding the safety of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided drainage of pancreatic fluid collections (PFCs) using the lumen-apposing metal stent without fluoroscopic guidance. This study aims to evaluate clinical outcomes and safety of EUS-guided drainage of PFC using the electrocautery-enhanced lumen-apposing metal stents (EC-LAMSs) without fluoroscopic guidance.Methods:We conducted a retrospective study on patients with symptomatic PFC who underwent EUS-guided drainage using EC-LAMS without fluoroscopy. All patients were followed clinically until resolution of their PFC. Technical success (successful placement of EC-LAMS), number of patients who achieved complete resolution of PFC without additional intervention and adverse events were noted.Results:We evaluated 25 patients, including three with pancreatic pseudocysts and 22 with walled-off necrosis (WON). The etiology of the patient's pancreatitis was gallstones (42%), alcohol (27%), and other causes (31%). The mean cyst size was 82 mm (range, 60–170 mm). The indications for endoscopic drainage were abdominal pain, infected WON, or gastric outlet obstruction. Technical success with placement of the EC-LAMS was achieved in all 25 patients. There were no procedure-related complications. The mean patient follow-up was 7.8 months. PFCs resolved in 24 (96%) patients; the one failure was in a patient with WON. Stent occlusion was seen in one patient. There was a spontaneous migration of one stent into the enteral lumen after resolution of WONs. The EC-LAMS were successfully removed using a snare in all the remaining patients. The median number of endoscopy sessions to achieve PFCs resolution was 2 (range, 2–6).Conclusions:Single-step EUS-guided drainage of PFCs without fluoroscopic guidance using the novel EC-LAMS is a safe and effective endoscopic technique for drainage of PFCs with excellent technical and clinical success rates and no complications. Due to its ease of use, EC-LAMS may simplify and streamline EUS-guided management of PFC and help in its widespread adoption as an alternative to surgery.

Evaluation of the short- and long-term effectiveness and safety of fully covered self-expandable metal stents for drainage of pancreatic fluid collections: results of a Spanish nationwide registry

Initial reports suggest that fully covered self-expandable metal stents (FCSEMSs) may be better suited for drainage of dense pancreatic fluid collections (PFCs), such as walled-off pancreatic necrosis. The primary aim was to analyze the effectiveness and safety of FCSEMSs for drainage of different types of PFCs in a large cohort. The secondary aim was to investigate which type of FCSEMS is superior. This was a retrospective, noncomparative review of a nationwide database involving all hospitals in Spain performing EUS-guided PFC drainage. From April 2008 to August 2013, all patients undergoing PFC drainage with an FCSEMS were included in a database. The main outcome measurements were technical success, short-term (2 weeks) and long-term (6 months) effectiveness, adverse events, and need for surgery. The study included 211 patients (pseudocyst/walled-off pancreatic necrosis, 53%/47%). The FCSEMSs used were straight biliary (66%) or lumen-apposing (34%). Technical success was achieved in 97% of patients (95% confidence interval [CI], 93%-99%). Short-term- and long-term clinical success was obtained in 94% (95% CI, 89%-97%) and 85% (95% CI, 79%-89%) of patients, respectively. Adverse events occurred in 21% of patients (95% CI, 16%-27%): infection (11%), bleeding (7%), and stent migration and/or perforation (3%). By multivariate analysis, patient age (>58 years) and previous failed drainage were the most important factors associated with negative outcome. An FCSEMS is effective and safe for PFC drainage. Older patients with a history of unsuccessful drainage are more likely to fail EUS-guided drainage. The type of FCSEMS does not seem to influence patient outcome.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided placement of AXIOS stent for drainage of pancreatic fluid collections.

Pancreatic fluid collections (PFCs) have conventionally been treated with surgery, percutaneous drainage, or with the more recently established endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided drainage modality. Currently, endoscopic plastic or metallic stents are used for PFC drainage. Plastic stents present issues with stent migration and premature occlusion requiring frequent stent exchanges or placement of additional stents. Metallic stents are tubular and may migrate, resulting in inefficient drainage, content leakage, retrieval and replacement, and possible mucosal injury. The aim of this review was to summarize and evaluate the clinical and technical effectiveness of EUS-guided placement of the recently developed AXIOS stent, a lumen-apposing self-expandable metallic stent (LASEMS)for PFC drainage. A literature review was performed to identify the studies describing this technique. In this review article we have summarized case series or reports describing EUS-guided LASEMS placement. The indications, techniques, limitations and complications reported are discussed. A total of 298 patients were included across all studies described thus far in the literature. Overall, a 97% technical success rate and a 96% clinical success rate have been reported. Early and late complications related to the placement or removal of LASEMS have been reported, however few cases have presented life-threatening results. EUS-guided PFC drainage and LASEMS placement can be a safe and effective alternative approach in the management of selected patients.

Endoscopic Ultrasound–guided Drainage of Pancreatic Fluid Collections in Children

Although endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided drainage of pancreatic fluid collections (PFCs) has evolved as the standard of care in adults, its role as a single-step drainage modality in children is unclear. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of single-step EUS-guided drainage of PFCs in children. This is a retrospective study of all of the children who underwent single-step EUS-guided drainage of PFCs during a 4-year period at 1 institution. An endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography was attempted before EUS-guided drainage to evaluate the pancreatic duct and bridge any ductal disruption. A total of 7 children (4 boys; mean age 8.4 years [standard deviation 2.1]) underwent EUS-guided drainage of PFCs. The etiology was blunt abdominal trauma in 5, hereditary pancreatitis in 1, and idiopathic pancreatitis in 1. Both technical and treatment success rates were 100% with median procedural duration of 12 minutes (interquartile range 12-20 minutes). Two patients underwent repeat EUS-guided drainage due to lack of adequate resolution of PFC on follow-up computed tomography. There were no immediate or delayed complications. At a median follow-up of 1033 days (interquartile range 193-1167 days), all of the children were doing well with no PFC recurrence. Single-step EUS-guided drainage of PFC in children is technically feasible, safe, clinically effective, and when available, should be the first-line treatment modality.

Pancreatic Fluid Collection Drainage by Endoscopic Ultrasound: An Update

Endoscopic management of symptomatic pancreatic fluid collections (PFCs) is now considered to be first line therapy. Expanded use of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) techniques has resulted in increased applicability, safety, and efficacy of endoscopic transluminal PFC drainage. Steps include EUS-guided trangastric or transduodenal fistula creation into the PFC followed by stent placement or nasocystic drain deployment in order to decompress the collection. With the remarkable improvement in the available accessories and stents and development of exchange free access device; EUS drainage techniques have become simpler and less time consuming. The use of self-expandable metal stents with modifications to drain PFC has helped in overcoming some previously encountered challenges. PFCs considered suitable for endoscopic drainage include collection present for greater than 4 weeks, possessing a well-formed wall, position accessible endoscopically and located within 1 cm of the duodenal or gastric walls. Indications for EUS-guided drainage have been increasing which include unusual location of the collection, small window of entry, nonbulging collections, coagulopathy, intervening varices, failed conventional transmural drainage, indeterminate adherence of PFC to the luminal wall or suspicion of malignancy. In this article, we present a review of literature to date and discuss the recent developments in EUS-guided PFC drainage.

Frequency of complications during EUS‐guided drainage of pancreatic fluid collections in 148 consecutive patients

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the frequency of complications during endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided drainage of pancreatic fluid collections (PFC), identify contributing factors, and report on management outcomes. All patients who underwent EUS-guided PFC drainage over 7 years were enrolled. Indications, demographics, technical details, complications, surgical interventions, and final outcomes were prospectively recorded. Of 148 patients who underwent EUS, PFC was located in the pancreatic body in 84 (56.8%), in the tail in 45 (30.4%), in the head in 15 (10.1%), and in the uncinate region in four patients (2.7%). Perforation was encountered at the site of transmural stenting in two patients (1.3%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.41-4.76) with a pseudocyst in the uncinate region that was drained transgastrically. When compared to other locations, perforation was more common with PFC involving the uncinate region (0% vs 50%, P = 0.0005). Other complications included bleeding in one (0.67%, 95% CI: 0.16, 3.68), stent migration in 1 (0.67%, 95% CI: 0.16, 3.68), and infection in four patients (2.7%, 95% CI: 1.09, 6.73). Bleeding occurred in a patient with underlying acquired factor VIII inhibitors, stent migration in a patient who underwent drainage via the gastric cardia, and infection in two patients with pseudocysts and two with necrosis. While two patients who developed post-procedural infection and one with stent migration were managed endoscopically, both perforations required surgery. Surgical debridement was performed in two patients who developed infection with successful outcomes in one, and death from underlying comorbidity in the other. Complications are rare during EUS-guided drainage of PFC and can be managed successfully in most patients.

EUS 2008 Working Group document: evaluation of EUS-guided drainage of pancreatic-fluid collections (with video)

In recent years, EUS-guided transmural drainage of symptomatic pancreatic-fluid collections has increasingly been performed. Before the introduction of linear EUS in the 1990s and the subsequent development of EUS-guided drainage procedures, the options available included surgical drainage, percutaneous drainage by using radiologic guidance, and non-EUS-guided endoscopic transmural drainage. This section of the EUS 2008 Working Group Proceeding evaluates the current status of EUS in the management of pancreatic-fluid collections and provides recommendations for future research and technology development.