Abstract
Background and study aims Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC) in patients with complex surgically-altered
anatomy (SAA) is technically demanding and has limitations. Developments in EUS-guided
procedures allow alternative approaches for patients with altered gastrointestinal
anatomy and biliary lithiasis.
Patients and methods Single-center, retrospective review of prospectively entered patients with SAA who
underwent EUS-guided hepaticogastrostomy (HGS) followed by an interval antegrade endoscopic
clearance of biliary lithiasis.
Results 9 patients with Roux-en-Y anatomy underwent HGS to allow clearance of biliary lithiasis
after a mean of 2.5 procedures. Technical success was achieved in 100 % of patients
utilizing subsequent antegrade endoscopic techniques after HGS including: balloon
sweep (9), transpapillary balloon dilation (8), cholangioscopy with electrohydraulic
lithotripsy (4), and mechanical lithotripsy (1). HGS stents were removed in all patients.
1 adverse event (cholangitis) occurred after cholangioscopy and prolonged intraductal
electrohydraulic lithotripsy.
Conclusion EUS-guided antegrade therapy for the management of biliary lithiasis in patients
with altered gastrointestinal anatomy appears efficacious with a low risk of adverse
events. These preliminary results suggest this approach should be considered at centers
with available expertise.