Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Pancreatic Duct Interventions

Abstract

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided pancreatic duct drainage is one of the most challenging procedures in therapeutic endoscopy. Technical success is lower than for other therapeutic EUS procedures. However, when successful in a clear clinical indication, this procedure can offer a useful therapeutic alternative and improves the overall clinical success of the endoscopic approach. Current challenges include the standardization of clinical indications and of the techniques used for accessing the pancreatic duct, the strategy for mid-term and long-term management, and definition of the scope of the training that should be offered to a few highly experienced endoscopists.

Keywords: Chronic pancreatitis; Disconnected pancreatic duct; EUS-guided pancreatic duct drainage; Pancreatic leak; Surgically altered anatomy; Transmural drainage.