Endoscopic ultrasound-guided gallbladder drainage: Results of long-term follow-up

Recently, endoscopic ultrasound-guided gallbladder drainage (EUS-GBD) has emerged using a self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS). The aim of the study was to evaluate the long-term outcomes of this procedure. In addition, the efficacy and safety of EUS-GBD with SEMS were assessed.

Thirteen consecutive patients who underwent EUS-GBD for acute cholecystitis between February 2014 and September 2016 were included in this retrospective study. EUS-GBD was performed under the guidance of EUS and fluoroscopy, through puncturing the gallbladder with a needle, inserting a guidewire, dilating the puncture hole, and placing a SEMS.

The rates of technical success, functional success, and adverse events were 100%, 92.3% and 7.7%, respectively. The median procedure time was 26.9 min (range 19-42 min). The median follow-up time was 240 days (range 14-945 days) and during this follow-up period recurrence of cholecystitis was observed in one patient (7.7%).

EUS-GBD with a SEMS is a possible alternative treatment for acute cholecystitis in high surgical risk patients. Long-term outcomes after EUS-GBD were promising.