Endoscopic ultrasonography-guided visceral anastomoses: indications and techniques

Technologic advancements in the field of therapeutic endoscopy have led to the development of minimally invasive techniques to create gastrointestinal anastomosis instead of surgical interventions. Examples of the potential clinical applications include bypassing malignant and benign gastric outlet obstruction, providing access to the pancreato-biliary tree in those who have undergone Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, and relieving pancreato-biliary symptoms in afferent loop syndrome. Starting from the available literature, aim of this narrative review is to summarize indications and techniques of endoscopic ultrasonography-guided visceral anastomoses. A critical review of literature on the new EUS-guided anastomoses. Increasing evidence is accumulating demonstrating advantages of EUS guided visceral anastomoses. These new procedures represent a novel, minimally invasive alternative for managing different type of intestinal obstruction.