Background/Aims: Hepatobiliary scintigraphy (HBS) is used to evaluate bile excretion. This study aimed to evaluate biliary excretion during endoscopic ultrasound-guided hepaticogastrostomy (EUS-HGS) using HBS. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 78 consecutive patients with malignant extrahepatic biliary obstruction, who underwent HBS after EUS-HGS between April 2015 and July 2022. The peak time and decay rate were scored with 0, 1, or 2 points based on thresholds of 20 and 35 minutes, and 10% and 50%, respectively. A total score of 4 or 3 was considered indicative of good bile excretion, whereas scores of 2, 1, or 0 indicated poor bile excretion. Results: The good and poor bile excretion groups included 40 and 38 cases, respectively. The group with good bile excretion had a significantly longer time to recurrent biliary obstruction compared to the poor bile excretion group (not reached vs. 124 days, p=0.026). Multivariate analysis identified the site of obstruction as a significant factor influencing good bile excretion (odds ratio, 3.39; 95% confidence interval, 1.01–11.4, p=0.049), with superior bile excretion observed in cases involving upper biliary obstruction compared to middle or lower biliary obstruction. Conclusions In patients with malignant biliary obstruction who underwent HGS, the site of obstruction is significantly associated with stent patency.

Background/Aims: Hepatobiliary scintigraphy (HBS) is used to evaluate bile excretion. This study aimed to evaluate biliary excretion during endoscopic ultrasound-guided hepaticogastrostomy (EUS-HGS) using HBS. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 78 consecutive patients with malignant extrahepatic biliary obstruction, who underwent HBS after EUS-HGS between April 2015 and July 2022. The peak time and decay rate were scored with 0, 1, or 2 points based on thresholds of 20 and 35 minutes, and 10% and 50%, respectively. A total score of 4 or 3 was considered indicative of good bile excretion, whereas scores of 2, 1, or 0 indicated poor bile excretion. Results: The good and poor bile excretion groups included 40 and 38 cases, respectively. The group with good bile excretion had a significantly longer time to recurrent biliary obstruction compared to the poor bile excretion group (not reached vs. 124 days, p=0.026). Multivariate analysis identified the site of obstruction as a significant factor influencing good bile excretion (odds ratio, 3.39; 95% confidence interval, 1.01–11.4, p=0.049), with superior bile excretion observed in cases involving upper biliary obstruction compared to middle or lower biliary obstruction. Conclusions In patients with malignant biliary obstruction who underwent HGS, the site of obstruction is significantly associated with stent patency.

Background/Aims: Hepatobiliary scintigraphy (HBS) is used to evaluate bile excretion. This study aimed to evaluate biliary excretion during endoscopic ultrasound-guided hepaticogastrostomy (EUS-HGS) using HBS. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 78 consecutive patients with malignant extrahepatic biliary obstruction, who underwent HBS after EUS-HGS between April 2015 and July 2022. The peak time and decay rate were scored with 0, 1, or 2 points based on thresholds of 20 and 35 minutes, and 10% and 50%, respectively. A total score of 4 or 3 was considered indicative of good bile excretion, whereas scores of 2, 1, or 0 indicated poor bile excretion. Results: The good and poor bile excretion groups included 40 and 38 cases, respectively. The group with good bile excretion had a significantly longer time to recurrent biliary obstruction compared to the poor bile excretion group (not reached vs. 124 days, p=0.026). Multivariate analysis identified the site of obstruction as a significant factor influencing good bile excretion (odds ratio, 3.39; 95% confidence interval, 1.01–11.4, p=0.049), with superior bile excretion observed in cases involving upper biliary obstruction compared to middle or lower biliary obstruction. Conclusions In patients with malignant biliary obstruction who underwent HGS, the site of obstruction is significantly associated with stent patency.

Background/Aims: Selective bile duct or pancreatic duct cannulation remains a significant initial hurdle in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) despite advances in endoscopy and accessories. This study evaluated our experience with a rotatable sphincterotome in cases of difficult cannulation. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed ERCP cases using TRUEtome, a rotatable sphincterotome, as a rescue device for cannulation at a cancer institute in Japan from October 2014 to December 2021. Results: TRUEtome was used in 88 patients. Duodenoscopes were used for 51 patients, while single-balloon enteroscopes (SBE) were used for 37 patients. TRUEtome was used for biliary and pancreatic duct cannulation (84.1%), intrahepatic bile duct selection (12.5%), and strictures of the afferent limb (3.4%). Cannulation success rates were similar in the duodenoscope and SBE groups (86.3% vs. 75.7%, p=0.213). TRUEtome was more commonly used in cases with steep cannulation angles in the duodenoscope group and in cases requiring cannulation in different directions in the SBE group. There were no significant differences in adverse events between the two groups. Conclusions The cannulation sphincterotome was useful for difficult cannulations in both unaltered and surgically altered anatomies. It may be an option to consider before high-risk procedures such as precut and endoscopic ultrasound-guided rendezvous techniques.

Background/Aims: Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided hepaticogastrostomy (EUS-HGS) performed at the intrahepatic bile duct segment 3 (B3) is widely used for biliary drainage. Although performing post-puncture procedures is easier in the intrahepatic bile duct segment 2 (B2) when using a conventional oblique-viewing (OV) EUS scope, this method may cause transesophageal puncture and severe adverse events. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of B2 puncture using a novel OV-EUS scope. Methods: In this single-center retrospective study, we prospectively enrolled and collected data from 45 patients who consecutively underwent EUS-HGS procedures with a novel OV-EUS scope between September 2021 and December 2022 at our cancer center. Results: The technical success rates of B2-EUS-HGS and EUS-HGS were 93.3% (42/45) and 97.8% (44/45), respectively. The early adverse event rate was 8.9% (4/45) with no cases of scope changes or transesophageal punctures. The median procedure time was 13 minutes (range, 5–30). Conclusions B2-EUS-HGS can be performed safely with the novel EG-740UT (Fujifilm) OV-scope without transesophageal puncture and with a high success rate. B2-EUS-HGS using this novel OV scope may be the preferred strategy for EUS-HGS.

Background/Aims: The optimal length of the uncovered portion of partially covered self-expandable metal stents (PCSEMSs) used in endoscopic ultrasound-guided hepaticogastrostomy (EUS-HGS) remains unclear. This study investigated the safety and efficacy of PCSEMSs with different uncovered lengths, with a focus on stent migration and time to recurrent biliary obstruction (RBO). Methods: Outcomes of patients undergoing EUS-HGS using PCSEMSs with 5-mm and 20-mm uncovered portions at our institution from January 2016 to December 2021 were compared. Results: Sixty-two patients underwent EUS-HGS using PCSEMS (5/20-mm uncovered portions: 32/30). Stent migration occurred only in the 5-mm group. There were no differences in RBO rates (28.1% vs. 40.0%) or median time to RBO (6.8 vs. 7.1 months) between the two groups. Median overall survival (OS) was longer in the 20-mm group (3.1 vs. 4.9 months, p=0.037) due to the higher number of patients that resumed chemotherapy after EUS-HGS (56.7% vs. 28.1%, p=0.029). Good performance status, absence of hepatic metastases, and chemotherapy after EUS-HGS were independent predictors of longer OS. Conclusions No migration was observed in patients treated with PCSEMS with 20-mm uncovered portions. Patients treated with PCSEMS with 20-mm uncovered portions performed at least as well as those treated with 5-mm uncovered portions in all material respects.

Background/Aims: Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided hepaticogastrostomy (EUS-HGS) is useful for patients with biliary cannulation failure or inaccessible papillae. However, it can lead to serious complications such as bile peritonitis in patients with ascites; therefore, development of a safe method to perform EUS-HGS is important. Herein, we evaluated the safety of EUS-HGS with continuous ascitic fluid drainage in patients with ascites. Methods: Patients with moderate or severe ascites who underwent continuous ascites drainage, which was initiated before EUS-HGS and terminated after the procedure at our institution between April 2015 and December 2022, were included in the study. We evaluated the technical and clinical success rates, EUS-HGS-related complications, and feasibility of re-intervention. Results: Ten patients underwent continuous ascites drainage, which was initiated before EUS-HGS and terminated after completion of the procedure. Median duration of ascites drainage before and after EUS-HGS was 2 and 4 days, respectively. Technical success with EUS-HGS was achieved in all 10 patients (100%). Clinical success with EUS-HGS was achieved in 9 of the 10 patients (90 %). No endoscopic complications such as bile peritonitis were observed. Conclusions In patients with ascites, continuous ascites drainage, which is initiated before EUS-HGS and terminated after completion of the procedure, may prevent complications and allow safe performance of EUS-HGS.

Background/Aims: Hepaticojejunostomy anastomotic stricture (HJAS) is a feared adverse event associated with hepatopancreatobiliary surgery. Although balloon dilation for benign HJAS during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with balloon-assisted enteroscopy has been reported to be useful, the treatment strategy remains controversial. Therefore, we evaluated the outcomes and risk factors of recurrent stenosis after balloon dilation alone for benign HJAS. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed consecutive patients who underwent balloon-assisted enteroscopy–endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for benign HJAS at our institution between July 2014 and December 2020. Results: Forty-six patients were included, 16 of whom had recurrent HJAS after balloon dilation. The patency rates at 1 and 2 years after balloon dilation were 76.8% and 64.2%, respectively. Presence of a residual balloon notch during balloon dilation was an independent predictor of recurrence (hazard ratio, 2.80; 95% confidence interval, 1.01–7.78; p=0.048), whereas HJAS within postoperative 1 year tended to be associated with recurrence (hazard ratio, 2.43; 95% confidence interval, 0.85–6.89; p=0.096). The patency rates in patients without a residual balloon notch were 82.1% and 73.1% after 1 and 2 years, respectively. Conclusions Balloon dilation alone may be a viable option for patients with benign HJAS without residual balloon notches on fluoroscopy.

Background/Aims: Endoscopic ultrasound-guided tissue acquisition (EUS-TA) is a standard diagnostic method for biliary tract cancer (BTC), and samples obtained in this manner may be used for comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP). This study evaluated the utility of EUS-TA for CGP in a clinical setting and determined the factors associated with the adequacy of CGP in patients with BTC. Methods: CGP was attempted for 105 samples from 94 patients with BTC at the Aichi Cancer Center, Japan, from October 2019 to April 2022. Results: Overall, 77.1% (81/105) of the samples were adequate for CGP. For 22-G or 19-G fine-needle biopsy (FNB), the sample adequacy was 85.7% (36/42), which was similar to that of surgical specimens (94%, p=0.45). Univariate analysis revealed that 22-G or larger FNB needle usage (86%, p=0.003), the target primary lesions (88%, p=0.015), a target size ≥30 mm (100%, p=0.0013), and number of punctures (90%, p=0.016) were significantly positively associated with CGP sample adequacy. Conclusions EUS-TA is useful for CGP tissue sampling in patients with BTC. In particular, the use of 22-G or larger FNB needles may allow for specimen adequacy comparable to that of surgical specimens.

Background/Aims: Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) is a highly accurate method for diagnosing pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs); however, some PNETs are difficult to diagnose. Recently, the efficacy of needle-based confocal laser endomicroscopy (nCLE) in diagnosing solid pancreatic masses has been reported. However, the efficacy of nCLE in the diagnosis of PNETs remains unknown and only a small number of cases have been reported. Hence, this study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of nCLE in the diagnosis of PNETs. Methods: This single-center retrospective study evaluated 30 consecutive patients with suspected PNETs on contrast-enhanced computed tomography, who consented to nCLE combined with EUS-FNA and were diagnosed using EUS-FNA or surgical resection. The diagnostic criteria for PNETs using nCLE were based on the nesting and trabecular and glandular arrangement of tumor cell clusters surrounded by capillary vessels and fibrosis, as reported in previous studies. Results: The diagnosis using nCLE was classified into three categories: misdiagnosis in three cases (10%), non-diagnostic in six cases (20%), and diagnostic in 21 cases (70%). nCLE was able to diagnose PNET in one of the two cases with inconclusive EUS-FNA. Conclusions Although further development of the resolution and optimization of the diagnostic criteria are required, nCLE may constitute a useful diagnostic option in cases of inconclusive EUS-FNA for PNETs.