Endoscopic ultrasound-guided vs ERCP-guided biliary drainage for malignant biliary obstruction: A up-to-date...

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage (EUS-BD) is being used increasingly as an alternative treatment for malignant biliary obstruction (MBO). However, few studies have compared EUS-BD and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography biliary drainage (ERCP-BD). We searched the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases until 1 November 2020 for studies comparing EUS-BD versus ERCP-BD. The primary outcomes of interest in this study were technical and clinical success. Nine studies involving 634 patients were included in this meta-analysis. Regarding technical and clinical success, there were no significant differences between EUS-BD and ERCP-BD (odds ratio [OR], 0.76; 95% CI: 0.30-1.91; OR, 1.45, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.66-3.16, respectively). EUS-BD was associated with significantly less reintervention vs ERCP-BD (OR, 0.36, 95% CI, 0.15-0.86). Regarding adverse events, the rates were similar for EUS-BD and ERCP-BD (OR: 0.75, 95% CI, 0.45-1.24). There were no significant differences in the types of adverse events (stent occlusion, stent migration, stent dysfunction, and duration of stent patency) between the two techniques. EUS-BD was associated with lower reintervention rates compared with ERCP-BD, with comparable safety and efficacy outcomes. However, more high-quality randomized trials are required.