EUS-guided gastroenterostomy: the first U.S. clinical experience (with video)

There are limitations to enteral self-expandable metal stents and surgical gastrojejunostomy in the treatment of patients with gastric outlet obstruction (GOO). EUS-guided gastroenterostomy (EUS-GE) is a novel procedure that potentially offers long-lasting luminal patency without the risk of tumor ingrowth and/or overgrowth, while avoiding the morbidity of a surgical procedure. The aims of this study were to report the first U.S. clinical experience with EUS-GE in terms of technical success, clinical success, and adverse events and to detail the technical aspects of performing EUS-GE.

This was a retrospective study from two tertiary-care centers. EUS-GE was performed by using either the direct EUS-GE or balloon-assisted EUS-GE technique. Technical success was defined as adequate positioning and deployment of the stent as determined endoscopically and radiologically. Clinical success was defined as the patient's ability to tolerate oral intake without vomiting.

A total of 10 patients underwent attempted EUS-GE. Malignant GOO was present in 3 patients, whereas benign obstruction was found in the remaining 7. One patient had complete GOO and underwent successful direct EUS-GE. In the remaining 9 patients, balloon-assisted EUS-GE was attempted and was successful in 8. Thus, technical success occurred in 9 patients (90%). There were no procedure-related adverse events. Mean procedure time was 96 minutes (range 45-152 minutes), and mean length of hospital stay was 2.2 days. Clinical success with resumption of solid oral intake was achieved in all 9 patients (100%) who underwent successful EUS-GE. A total of 8 patients were able to tolerate almost a normal diet and/or full diet, and 1 patient tolerated a soft diet. There was no symptom recurrence during a mean follow-up period of 150 days.

EUS-GE is a promising new technique for the treatment of symptoms of benign and malignant GOO. Prospective, multicenter trials are needed to confirm these results.