Published online Dec 14, 2015. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v21.i46.12996
Peer-review started: March 26, 2015
First decision: July 19, 2015
Revised: August 10, 2015
Accepted: September 28, 2015
Article in press: September 30, 2015
Published online: December 14, 2015
Processing time: 265 Days and 3.8 Hours
With the development of technology and accessories, the role of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) has evolved from diagnostics to therapeutics. In order to characterise the therapeutic role of EUS, we searched Web of Knowledge database and reviewed articles associated with therapeutic EUS. There are two modalities for the therapeutic purpose: drainage and fine-needle injection. EUS-guided drainage is a promising procedure for the treatment of peripancreatic fluid collection and biliary obstruction; EUS-guided fine-needle injections such as celiac plexus neurolysis, for the purpose of pain relief for pancreatic cancer and chronic pancreatitis, has emerged as a promising procedure. The aim of the study was to perform a comprehensive and conscientious review on the techniques, complications and clinical outcomes of those EUS-based procedures.
Core tip: Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided interventions have gained popularity in recent years. In this review, EUS-guided peripancreatic fluid collection drainage and biliary drainage are discussed. EUS-guided fine-needle injections, including celiac plexus neurolysis, photodynamic therapy, stereotactic body radiation therapy and ethanol ablation, are also discussed.