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World J Gastrointest Endosc. Jun 16, 2010; 2(6): 203-209
Published online Jun 16, 2010. doi: 10.4253/wjge.v2.i6.203
Gallbladder drainage guided by endoscopic ultrasound
José Carlos Súbtil, Maite Betes, Miguel Muñoz-Navas
José Carlos Súbtil, Maite Betes, Miguel Muñoz-Navas, Gastroenterology Department, University Clinic of Navarra, Pamplona 31008, Spain
Author contributions: Subtil JC was responsible for the draft, critical revision and final approval of the article; Betes M contributed to critical revision; and Muñoz-Navas M contributed to final approval.
Correspondence to: José Carlos Súbtil, MD, PhD, Gastroenterology Department, University Clinic of Navarra, c/Pio XII 36, Pamplona 31008, Spain. jcsubtil@unav.es
Telephone: +34-948-255400 Fax: +34-948-296500
Received: January 18, 2010
Revised: May 25, 2010
Accepted: June 1, 2010
Published online: June 16, 2010
Abstract

The gold-standard management of acute cholecystitis is cholecystectomy. Surgical intervention may be contraindicated due to permanent causes. To date, the classical approach is percutaneous cholecystostomy in patients unresponsive to medical therapy. However, with this treatment some patients may experience discomfort, complications and a decrease in their quality of life. In these cases, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided gallbladder drainage may represent an effective minimally invasive alternative. Our objective is to describe in detail this new and not well-known technique: EUS-guided cholecystenterostomy. We will describe how the patient should be prepared, what accessories are needed and how the technique is performed. We will also discuss the possible indications for this technique and will provide a brief review based on published reports and our own experience.

Keywords: Gallbladder drainage; Endoscopic ultrasound-guided; Cholecystenterostomy; Cholecystogastrostomy; Cholecystoduodenostomy; Percutaneous cholecystostomy; Endoscopic transpapillary gallbladder drainage; Acute cholecystitis