[Endoscopic ultrasound guided rendezvous for biliary drainage]

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Interventional Endoscopy

Background:

• Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERCP) is the standard for biliary drainage.
• Unsuccessful ERCP procedures present a challenge in managing biliary obstruction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and evaluate endoscopic ultrasound guided rendezvous (EUS-RV) as an alternative biliary drainage method.
• To assess the efficacy of EUS-RV in cases of failed ERCP.

Main Methods:

• EUS-RV involves guidewire passage from the stomach/duodenum into the common bile duct via a needle under endoscopic ultrasound guidance.
• This facilitates subsequent ERCP for biliary drainage.

Main Results:

• EUS-RV demonstrates a relatively high success rate in achieving biliary drainage.
• The technique provides a feasible alternative when conventional ERCP is unsuccessful.

Conclusions:

• Endoscopic ultrasound guided rendezvous (EUS-RV) is a promising novel technique for biliary drainage.
• EUS-RV should be considered as an alternative to repeat biliary drainage procedures and surgical interventions.