[Endoscopic Ultrasound-guided Biliary Drainage].

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Interventional Endoscopy

Background:

• Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) has emerged as a valuable tool in gastroenterology.
• EUS-guided biliary drainage (EUS-BD) provides an alternative to conventional methods like Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) when it is not feasible or has failed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the evolving therapeutic role of EUS-BD.
• To discuss various EUS-BD approaches and their indications.
• To highlight the success rates and complications associated with EUS-BD.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on EUS-BD techniques.
• Analysis of different EUS-BD approaches based on stent access and exit routes.
• Discussion of patient-specific factors influencing procedural success.

Main Results:

• EUS-BD demonstrates a high cumulative success rate, exceeding 90% in high-volume centers.
• Reported overall complication rates for EUS-BD range from 10% to 30%.
• Individualized patient approaches are crucial for optimal outcomes.

Conclusions:

• EUS-BD is a viable and effective alternative for biliary drainage.
• Standardization of indications and optimal approaches for EUS-BD is needed.
• Further research is required to understand long-term outcomes and refine EUS-BD techniques.