EUS-GUIDED GALLBLADDER DRAINAGE FOR TREATING SYMPTOMATIC CHOLELITHIASIS IN NON-OPERATIVE CANDIDATES WITHOUT...

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Endoscopic procedures
• Biliary tract interventions

Background:

• Endoscopic ultrasound-guided gallbladder drainage (EUS-GBD) is established for cholecystitis.
• Limited data exists for EUS-GBD in symptomatic cholelithiasis without cholecystitis.
• Non-operative candidates with gallstones need alternative treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and efficacy of EUS-GBD.
• To assess EUS-GBD for managing gallstones in non-operative candidates.
• To determine outcomes in patients without cholecystitis.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective, two-center study.
• 23 non-operative patients with symptomatic cholelithiasis (no cholecystitis).
• EUS-GBD using lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMS).
• Primary outcome: complete gallstone clearance.
• Secondary outcomes: clinical success, technical success, adverse events.

Main Results:

• 100% technical success for LAMS placement.
• 100% complete gallstone clearance achieved.
• 87% clearance within one treatment.
• No procedure-related adverse events.
• Mean follow-up of 9 months with no symptom recurrence.

Conclusions:

• EUS-GBD is a safe and effective option.
• Provides preliminary evidence for symptomatic cholelithiasis management.
• Offers a viable alternative for non-operative candidates.