Therapeutic Endoscopic Ultrasound: Current Indications and Future Perspectives

Abstract

The transcendence of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) from diagnostic to therapeutic tool has revolutionized management options in the field of gastroenterology. Through EUS-guided methods, pancreaticobiliary obstruction can now be utilized as an alternative to surgical and percutaneous approaches. This modality also allows for gallbladder drainage in patients who are not ideal operative candidates. By utilizing its unique imaging capabilities, EUS also allows for drainage access points in cases of gastric outlet obstruction as well as windows to ablate pancreatic cystic lesions. As technical progress continues to evolve, interventional gastroenterology continues to push the envelope of minimally invasive therapeutic procedures in a multidisciplinary setting. In this comprehensive review, we set out to describe current indications and innovations through EUS.

Keywords

• endoscopic ultrasound
• biliary drainage
• hepaticogastrostomy
• choledochoduodenostomy
• pancreatic ductal drainage
• necrotic fluid collections
• pancreatic cyst ablation
• lumen apposing metal stents