Published online Feb 10, 2016. doi: 10.4253/wjge.v8.i3.192
Peer-review started: May 11, 2015
First decision: July 25, 2015
Revised: August 20, 2015
Accepted: October 12, 2015
Article in press: October 13, 2015
Published online: February 10, 2016
Processing time: 268 Days and 12.4 Hours
Here we offer a review of the literature regarding endoscopic ultrasound-guided ethanol ablation for pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours and describe the case of a cystic tumour completely ablated after a multisession procedure. A total of 35 PubMed indexed cases of treated functioning and non-functioning pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours resulted from our search, 29 of which are well-documented and summarised. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided ethanol ablation appears as a local, minimally invasive treatment of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours, suitable for selected patients. This technique appears feasible, relatively safe and efficient, especially when applied to symptom relief in functioning tumours, aiming at loss of endocrine secretion. For non-functioning tumours, where the goal is complete tissue ablation, eus guided ethanol ablation can provide good results for patients who are unfit for surgery or for those who refuse surgical resection. Its role in “fit for surgery” patients requires assessment through further studies.
Core tip: We report a complete review of the literature about endoscopic ultrasound-guided ethanol ablation for pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours. The case of a cystic tumour completely ablated after a multisession procedure is described. On long term follow-up a durable remission of the tumour was obtained; a complete image gallery showing the pre and post-treatment appearance is available. The technical aspects, clinical success and complication rates related to this kind of procedures are described.