EUS-Guided Rendezvous and Tractogastrostomy: A Novel Technique for Disconnected Pancreatic Duct Syndrome with External Pancreatic Fistula

Background and Aims External pancreatic fistula occurring in the setting of disconnected pancreatic duct syndrome leads to significant morbidity, often requiring surgery. The aim of this study is to report a new technique of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided rendezvous and tractogastrostomy in patients with disconnected pancreatic duct syndrome and external pancreatic fistula. Methods This study is retrospective analysis of the data of the patients with external pancreatic fistula who had undergone EUS-guided rendezvous and tractogastrostomy. Internalization of pancreatic secretions was performed by placing a stent between tract and the stomach. Technical success was defined as placement of stent between the tract and the stomach. Clinical success was defined as removal of external catheter and absence of peripancreatic fluid collection, ascites or external fistula at 3 months after the tractogastrostomy. Results Four patients, all male, with median age of 33.5 years (range: 29–45), underwent EUS-guided tractogastrostomy. Technical and clinical success was 100%, without any procedure related complication. External catheter could be removed in all the patients. During the median follow-up of 10.5 months (range: 8–12), two patients had stent migration and peripancreatic fluid collection, which were managed by EUS-guided internal drainage. Conclusions EUS-guided rendezvous and tractogastrostomy are a safe and effective technique for the treatment of external pancreatic fistula.