The four pillars of endohepatology

Over the past several years, there has been increasing interaction between Hepatology and Endoscopy, mainly facilitated by EUS-guided modalities. There are 4 main areas that have led to the emergence of what has been called "Endohepatology". The first is EUS-guided parenchymal liver biopsy (EUS-LB). An optimal technique EUS-LB has been developed using a 19G EUS fine needle biopsy needle with "wet suction." There are several advantages to EUS-LB. Another component of Endohepatology is the ability to directly measuring portal pressure gradient (PPG) under EUS guidance. A 25G needle can be inserted directly into branches of the hepatic vein and portal vein to measure PPG. Although this technique requires a sedated endoscopic procedure, it is technically easier and better tolerated than the traditional transjugular approach and is very safe. Newer techniques of endoscopic management of gastric varices using EUS-guided injection of glues and coils is another driver of Endohepatology. EUS-guided glue injection is safer than direct endoscopic injection, and the use of coils decreases the incidence of glue embolization. The fourth pillar is expanded use of EUS-guided gallbladder drainage (EUS-GB) with lumen apposing metal stents. This is beginning to revolutionize management of gallbladder disease in cirrhotic patients who are poor candidates for cholecystectomy. Endohepatology will grow as these 4 main applications become more widespread and Hepatologists become more comfortable with the role of Endohepatology in patient management.