EUS-guided drainage of pancreatic fluid collection, using a modified technique of cystotome alone without a FNA needle

Background: Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided drainage for pancreatic fluid collection (PFC) involves puncture with a fine-needle aspiration (FNA) needle, followed by tract dilation involving exchange of multiple accessories, and finally deployment of stent. The procedure is time consuming and carries a risk of loss of wire access and hence technical failure. We used a modified technique with a 10-F cystotome alone instead of a FNA needle and dilators. Methods: We retrospectively analysed records of consecutive patients who had undergone EUS-guided drainage of PFC using a modified technique, with puncture of PFC using a 10-Fcystotome, followed by passage of a guidewire through it into the PFC cavity and deployment of a biflanged, 2-cm-long, fully covered self-expanding metal stent over it. Technical and clinical success rates and procedure time were assessed. Results: Forty-five patients underwent PFC drainage, median age was 35 (12-76), and 35 (77.8%) were males. The median (range) duration of symptoms was 125 (38-1080) days, while the median PFC size was 11.8 x 11 x 11 cm, and the follow-up period after stent removal was 111 +/- 72 (18-251) weeks. The procedure took 10 (8-12) min and had technical and clinical success rates of 100 and 97.8%, respectively. Minor complications occurred in six (13.3%) patients, while recurrence occurred in one. Conclusion: EUS-guided drainage of PFC using a cystotome is a quick, effective and safe procedure. It may also be less expensive since it obviates the use of FNA needles and dilators, and is likely to be a useful alternative to the conventional technique.