EUS-Guided Transluminal Interventions.

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Interventional Endoscopy
• Medical Technology

Background:

• Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) has evolved from a diagnostic tool to a therapeutic modality over four decades.
• The development of echoendoscopes with accessory channels facilitated transluminal interventions.
• EUS is now a preferred method for procedures like biliary/pancreatic drainage and fluid collection management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the therapeutic applications of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS).
• To assess the efficacy and limitations of EUS-guided interventions.
• To highlight the importance of patient selection and multidisciplinary care.

Main Methods:

• Review of transluminal interventions using EUS.
• Analysis of technical success and adverse events reported in the literature.
• Evaluation of study heterogeneity and the need for randomized controlled trials.

Main Results:

• EUS interventions are technically successful for bile/pancreatic duct drainage, pancreatic fluid collection management, and gastrojejunostomy creation.
• Significant study heterogeneity and a lack of randomized trials limit understanding of EUS utility.
• Adverse events associated with EUS interventions are common and can be severe.

Conclusions:

• EUS interventions offer a viable therapeutic option for various gastrointestinal and pancreatic conditions.
• Well-trained endosonographers, careful patient selection, and multidisciplinary management are crucial for successful EUS interventions.
• Further high-quality research, including randomized controlled trials, is needed to fully establish the role and utility of EUS interventions.