Technical Performance, Overall Accuracy and Complications of EUS-Guided Interventional Procedures: A Dynamic...

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Medical Imaging
• Interventional Endoscopy

Background:

• Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is a widely accepted diagnostic and therapeutic modality for various gastrointestinal and non-gastrointestinal lesions.
• Technological advancements have significantly enhanced EUS capabilities over time.

Purpose of the Study:

• To retrospectively analyze a dual-center EUS experience over 20 years (2002-2021).
• To assess the performance of EUS-Fine Needle Aspiration/Biopsy (FNA/FNB) in diagnosing pancreatic neoplasms.
• To evaluate the utility of contrast-enhanced EUS (CE-EUS) in differentiating pancreatic lesions when combined with EUS-FNA/FNB.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database of 2935 patients undergoing EUS.
• Evaluation of diagnostic EUS (1880 patients) and EUS-FNA/FNB (1052 patients).
• Inclusion of therapeutic procedures (pancreatic fluid collection drainage, celiac plexus block/neurolysis) and diagnostic adjuncts (CE-EUS, elastography).

Main Results:

• High technical success rates for EUS procedures and associated tools.
• Low rates of complications, with most occurring within 7 days post-procedure.
• EUS-FNA/FNB demonstrated effectiveness in diagnosing pancreatic neoplasms, with CE-EUS aiding lesion differentiation.

Conclusions:

• EUS, along with adjuncts like CE-EUS and elastography, is a safe, cost-effective, and indispensable tool in gastroenterological practice.
• The study confirms the high efficacy and safety of EUS for both diagnostic and therapeutic management of gastrointestinal and related organ lesions.
• Long-term dual-center data supports the established role and ongoing utility of EUS in clinical practice.