EUS-guided pancreatic duct intervention: outcomes of a single tertiary-care referral center experience

Background: EUS can provide access to the main pancreatic duct (MPD) for therapeutic intervention. The long-term clinical success of EUS-guided MPD interventions is unknown.

Objective: To determine technical and clinical success rates, predictors of success, and long-term outcomes of EUS-guided MPD intervention.

Design: Retrospective, single-center study.

Setting: Tertiary-care referral center.

Patients: Forty-five patients.

Intervention: EUS-guided MPD stent retrieval or placement.

Main outcome measurements: Technical and clinical success rates, adverse events, and long-term clinical outcomes.

Results: Among the 45 patients, 37 had undergone failed ERCP, and 29 had surgically altered anatomy. Median follow-up after initial EUS-guided intervention was 23 months. Two patients underwent EUS for stent removal, and EUS-guided MPD stent placement was attempted in 43 patients. Technical success was achieved in 32 of 43 patients (74%) with antegrade (n = 18) or retrograde (n = 14) stent insertion. Serious adverse events occurred in 3 patients (6%). Patients underwent a median of 2 (range 1-6) follow-up procedures for revision or removal of stents, without adverse events. Complete symptom resolution occurred in 24 of 29 patients (83%) while stents were in place, including all 6 with nondilated ducts. Stents were removed in 23 patients, who were then followed for an additional median of 32 months; 4 patients had recurrent symptoms. Among the 11 failed cases, most had persistent symptoms or required surgery.

Limitations: Retrospective study design, individualized patient management.

Conclusion: EUS-guided MPD intervention is feasible and safe, with long-term clinical success in the majority of patients. EUS provides important treatment options, particularly in patients who would otherwise undergo surgery.