Rendezvous technique using a drill dilator through endosonographically created route in a patient with huge pancreatic stones

Endoscopic pancreatic stenting (EPS) is used for symptomatic chronic pancreatitis. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided pancreatic duct drainage (EUS-PDD) can create a route to the pancreatic duct instead of using EPS [1], but stent migration frequently occurs [2]. In a novel rendezvous technique, a drill dilator was inserted through an endosonographically created route (ESCR) to help pass a stricture after EUS-PDD.

A patient with chronic pancreatitis had abdominal pain and huge pancreatic stones in the main pancreatic duct (MPD) ([Fig. 1]). EPS via the major papilla failed due to MPD stricture caused by the stones, but EUS-PDD was performed to create an ESCR with a plastic stent ([Fig. 2]).

Fig. 1 Computed tomography image showing huge pancreatic stones in the main pancreatic duct.

Fig. 2 Placement of a plastic stent during initial endoscopic ultrasound-guided pancreatic duct drainage.

Later, we attempted a rendezvous technique with a drill dilator to insert a pancreatic duct stent through the papilla. The plastic stent in the EUS-PDD route was removed and a self-expandable metal stent was inserted into the ESCR ([Fig. 3]). We planned to insert a catheter and guidewire through the ESCR, but the guidewire could not pass through stricture at the MPD. After electrohydraulic lithotripsy by pancreatoscope, the guidewire could pass, but not the catheter. We therefore inserted the drill dilator to dilate the MPD stricture, and the apex of the drill dilator reached the duodenal lumen through the minor papilla. The apex was kept in the duodenal lumen after scope removal. After inserting the scope to the descending part, the guidewire was inserted into the drill dilator lumen. Then, we simultaneously retrieved the drill dilator from the mouth while advancing a catheter over the guidewire, keeping it close to the apex of the drill dilater. Finally, a plastic stent could be inserted from the minor papilla ([Video 1]).

Fig. 3 Insertion of a self-expandable metal stent via the endosonographically created route.

Rendezvous technique using a drill dilator through an endosonographically created route.Video 1

When EPS is difficult, a drill dilator can help to pass severe strictures via the rendezvous technique.

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Conflict of Interest

M. Kitano has received research funding from Medico’s Hirata and Zeon Medical. H. Yamazaki, Y. Yamashita, Y. Kawaji, T. Tamura, M. Itonaga, and R. Ashida declare that they have no conflicts of interest.

• References

• 1 Chapman CG, Waxman I, Siddiqui UD. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided pancreatic duct drainage: the basics of when and how to perform EUS-guided pancreatic duct interventions. Clin Endosc 2016; 49: 161-167
• 2 Gornals JB, Sumalla-Garcia A, Luna-Rodriguez D. et al. Long-term outcomes of endoscopic ultrasound-guided pancreatic duct interventions: a single tertiary center experience. Gastroenterol Hepatol 2025; 48: 502221

Publication History

Article published online:
25 July 2025