Moving scope technique improves technical success rate of device insertion during EUS-guided hepaticogastrostomy...

Technical tips for device insertion during endoscopic ultrasound-guided hepaticogastrostomy (EUS-HGS) have not been reported. To improve the technical success rate of device insertion without unnecessary tract dilation, the pushing force should be transmitted directly from the channel of the echoendoscope to the intrahepatic bile duct.

We developed a novel technique, termed the 'moving scope technique', the feasibility of which during EUS-HGS is described.

Retrospective study.

The primary outcome of this study was the technical success rate of dilation device insertion without electrocautery dilation after the moving scope technique. The initial technical success rate of dilation device insertion was defined as successful insertion into the biliary tract. If dilation device insertion failed, the moving scope technique was attempted.

A total of 143 patients were enrolled in this study. The initial technical success rate for device insertion was 80.4% (115/143). The moving scope technique was therefore attempted in 28 patients. The mean angle between the intrahepatic bile duct and the guidewire was improved to 141.0° and resulted in a technical success rate of 100% (28/28). The area under the ROC curve (AUC) was 0.88, and 120° predicted successful dilation device insertion with sensitivity of 88.0% and specificity of 78.8%. Bile peritonitis (n = 8) and cholangitis (n = 2) were observed as adverse events, but were not severe.

In conclusion, the moving scope technique may be helpful during EUS-HGS to achieve successful insertion of the dilation device into the biliary tract. These results should be evaluated in a prospective randomized controlled trial.