Frequency of complications during EUS-guided drainage of pancreatic fluid collections in 148 consecutive patients

Abstract

Background and aim: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the frequency of complications during endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided drainage of pancreatic fluid collections (PFC), identify contributing factors, and report on management outcomes.

Methods: All patients who underwent EUS-guided PFC drainage over 7 years were enrolled. Indications, demographics, technical details, complications, surgical interventions, and final outcomes were prospectively recorded.

Results: Of 148 patients who underwent EUS, PFC was located in the pancreatic body in 84 (56.8%), in the tail in 45 (30.4%), in the head in 15 (10.1%), and in the uncinate region in four patients (2.7%). Perforation was encountered at the site of transmural stenting in two patients (1.3%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.41-4.76) with a pseudocyst in the uncinate region that was drained transgastrically. When compared to other locations, perforation was more common with PFC involving the uncinate region (0% vs 50%, P = 0.0005). Other complications included bleeding in one (0.67%, 95% CI: 0.16, 3.68), stent migration in 1 (0.67%, 95% CI: 0.16, 3.68), and infection in four patients (2.7%, 95% CI: 1.09, 6.73). Bleeding occurred in a patient with underlying acquired factor VIII inhibitors, stent migration in a patient who underwent drainage via the gastric cardia, and infection in two patients with pseudocysts and two with necrosis. While two patients who developed post-procedural infection and one with stent migration were managed endoscopically, both perforations required surgery. Surgical debridement was performed in two patients who developed infection with successful outcomes in one, and death from underlying comorbidity in the other.

Conclusions: Complications are rare during EUS-guided drainage of PFC and can be managed successfully in most patients.