Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Biliary Drainage: Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Hepaticogastrostomy in Malignant Biliary Obstruction

Summary

Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Biliary Drainage (EUS-BD) is an alternative method of biliary decompression in malignant biliary obstruction. Here we describe the technique of EUS guided-Hepaticogastrostomy (EUS-HGS) in a case of unresectable malignant hilar biliary obstruction.

Abstract

Patients with unresectable malignant biliary obstruction often require biliary drainage to decompress the biliary system. Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is the primary biliary drainage method whenever possible. Percutaneous Transhepatic Biliary Drainage (PTBD) is used as a salvage method if ERCP fails. Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Biliary Drainage (EUS-BD) provides a feasible alternative biliary drainage method where one of the methods is EUS guided Hepaticogastrostomy (EUS-HGS). Here we describe the EUS-HGS technique in a case of unresectable malignant hilar biliary obstruction to achieve biliary drainage.

Presented here is the case of a 71-year-old female with painless jaundice and weight loss for 2 weeks. Computed Tomography (CT) imaging showed a 4 x 5 cm hilar tumor with lymphadenopathy and liver metastasis. EUS fine needle biopsy (FNB) of the lesion was consistent with cholangiocarcinoma. Her bilirubin levels were 212 µmol/L (<15) during presentation.

A linear echoendoscope was used to locate the left dilated intrahepatic ducts (IHD) of the liver. The segment 3 dilated IHD was identified and punctured using a 19 G needle. Contrast was used to opacify the IHDs under fluoroscopic guidance. The IHD was cannulated using a 0.025-inch guidewire. This was followed by the dilation of the fistula tract using a 6 Fr electrocautery dilator along with a 4 mm biliary balloon dilator. A partially covered metallic stent of 10 cm in length was deployed under fluoroscopic guidance. The distal part opens in the IHD and the proximal part was deployed within the working channel of the echoendoscope that subsequently released into the stomach. The patient was discharged three days after the procedure. Follow up performed in the second and fourth weeks showed that the bilirubin levels were 30 µmol/L and 14 µmol/L, respectively. This indicates that EUS-HGS is a safe method for biliary drainage in unresectable malignant biliary obstruction.

Introduction

Patients with malignant biliary obstruction are often unresectable and advanced at presentation^1,2. As a result, palliative endoscopic biliary decompression is often needed in managing these cases^3,4,5. According to current recommendations, Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is the primary method of biliary drainage, whenever possible, and if this fails or is contraindicated, Percutaneous Transhepatic Biliary Drainage (PTBD) is used as a salvage method^6,

Protocol

The protocol was performed in accordance with the ethical guidelines of the University of Malaya Medical Center. Written consent was obtained, and a detailed explanation of the procedure was provided to the patient. Permission was also granted to produce the video of the procedure for educational purposes.

1. Positioning and sedation

1. Place the patient in a prone position. Provide moderate sedation using intravenous infusion of Propofol. Ensure the infusion is titra.......

Discussion

The above case description illustrates the possibility of using EUS-HGS as an alternative biliary drainage method in the management of biliary tract malignancies compared to existing methods such as ERCP and PTBD. Among the steps described above, identifying, and accessing the correct intrahepatic duct, guidewire manipulation, and stent deployment are the three main crucial steps in ensuring that the procedure can be performed successfully and safely.

In choosing the ideal liver segment for bi.......

Materials

Name	Company	Catalog Number	Comments
10mm in size, 10cm in length Partially Covered Metallic Stent	M.I Tech	BPD10100-E180
Curved Linear Echoendoscopy	Fujifilm	EG-580UT
Electrocautary Dilator, 6Fr	G-Flex	CYSTO06U
Endoscopic Ultrasound System Processor	Fujifilm	SU-1
Expect 19-guage FNA Needle	Boston Scientific	M00555500
Hurricane Biliary Balloon Dilator, 4mm	Boston Scientific	M00545900
Visiglide 0.025-inch Guidewire, 4500mm in length	Olympus	G-240-2545S