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Updated: Mar 7, 2026

Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Biliary Drainage: Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Hepaticogastrostomy in Malignant Biliary Obstruction
Published on: March 25, 2022
Conversion of external percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage to endoscopic ultrasound-guided hepaticogastrostomy
Woo Hyun Paik1, Nah Kyum Lee2, Yousuke Nakai3
1Department of Internal Medicine, Inje University Ilsan Paik Hospital, Goyang, and Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Abstract:
Background and study aim Percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) is a rescue procedure after a failed endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. As PTBD causes patient discomfort, conversion of the PTBD to internal biliary stenting (PTBDS) may be required; however, PTBDS is sometimes difficult because of the tight stricture. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of conversion of external PTBD to endoscopic ultrasound-guided hepaticogastrostomy (EUS-HGS) after failed PTBDS. Patients and methods A total of 16 patients with malignant distal biliary obstruction who underwent conversion of external PTBD to EUS-HGS after failed PTBDS were enrolled from two institutions in Korea and Japan. Data were analyzed retrospectively. Results The technical and clinical success rates were 100 % and 81 %, respectively. Early adverse events developed in two patients: proximal stent migration (n = 1), and cholecystitis (n = 1). Stents were occluded or migrated distally in five patients. The mean duration of stent patency was 402 days. Conclusions Conversion of external PTBD to EUS-HGS may be a good rescue option after failed PTBDS.

