One-step, simultaneous double-wire technique facilitates pancreatic pseudocyst and abscess drainage (with videos)

Background

EUS-guided pancreatic pseudocyst and abscess drainage ideally requires the insertion of both a transmural stent and nasocystic catheter to ensure continuous irrigation and effective drainage. Sequential stent and nasocystic catheter insertion may be time consuming because of the difficulty in recannulating the pseudocyst after the initial stent placement.

Objective

Our purpose was to describe a novel one-step simultaneous double-wire technique that facilitates effective pancreatic pseudocyst and abscess drainage.

Design

To solve the problem of recannulating the pseudocyst cavity after the initial transmural stent placement, we developed a prototype 3-layer puncture kit that allows the simultaneous insertion of 2 guidewires at the initial puncture in one step. This puncture kit consists of a 22-gauge needle used for FNA, a 6F inner polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon) catheter, and an outer 8.5F Teflon catheter.

Setting

Tertiary referral center.

Patients

Eight consecutive patients were treated.

Interventions

With use of a therapeutic linear echoendoscope and the assembled kit with the needle protruding out distally, the pseudocyst cavity was punctured by using electrocautery. The needle and the inner catheter were then withdrawn, leaving the outer catheter within the cavity. The size of this outer catheter permitted the simultaneous insertion of two 0.035-inch guidewires. Sequential insertion of a transmural stent and nasocystic catheter was then performed without a need for recannulation of the pseudocyst or abscess cavity.

Main Outcome Measurements

Successful endoscopic drainage.

Results

All patients were successfully treated without complications. Mean procedural time was 32.5 minutes (range 25-45 minutes).

Conclusions

With this novel technique, establishing an irrigation system for the treatment of pancreatic pseudocysts and abscesses becomes easier, faster, and safer.