The intra-conduit release method is useful for avoiding migration of metallic stents during EUS-guided hepaticogastrostomy (with video).

PURPOSE

Although EUS-guided hepaticogastrostomy (EUS-HGS) with a covered self-expandable metal stent (SEMS) is a useful procedure, it is associated with severe adverse events, including stent migration. We, therefore, developed an intra-conduit release method, and investigated whether the technique yields a safer and more stable procedure.

METHODS

The intra-conduit release method is a procedure to release the SEMS in the working channel conduit of the scope for anchoring between the liver and stomach to avoid stent migration. Forty-three patients who underwent EUS-HGS at two high-volume centers in Japan were enrolled in this retrospective study, and the safety and usefulness of this method were evaluated retrospectively.

RESULTS

The intra-conduit release method was applied in 36 cases. The technical success rate of EUS-HGS with the intra-conduit release method was significantly higher in comparison with the conventional method. Additionally, the rate of early adverse events was significantly lower than that for the conventional method.

CONCLUSION

The intra-conduit release method during EUS-HGS is useful for a stable procedure that avoids early adverse events.