Endoscopic ultrasound-guided entero-enterostomy for the treatment of afferent loop syndrome: A multicenter experience

Background Afferent loop syndrome (ALS) is traditionally managed surgically and, more recently, endoscopically. The role of endoscopic ultrasound-guided entero-enterostomy (EUS-EE) has not been well described. The aim of this study was to assess the technical and clinical success and safety of EUS-EE. Methods This was a multicenter, retrospective series at six centers in patients with ALS treated by EUS-EE. Data on patients treated with enteroscopy-assisted luminal stenting (EALS) at a single center were also collected. Results 18 patients (mean age 64.2 years, 72% post-pancreaticoduodenectomy, 10 female) underwent EUS-EE. The most common symptoms were vomiting (27.8%) and jaundice (33.3%). Clinical success included resolution of symptoms in 88.9% and improvement to allow hospital discharge in 11.1%. Technical success was achieved in 100% of cases, with a mean procedure time of 29.7 minutes. The most common procedure was a gastro-jejunostomy (72.2%). Three adverse events (16.7%) occurred (two mild, one moderate). When compared with data on EALS, patients treated with EUS-EE needed fewer re-interventions (16.6% vs. 76.5%; P <0.001). Conclusion EUS-EE seems to be safe and effective in the treatment of ALS.Indirect comparison with EALS suggested that EUS-EE is associated with a reduced need for re-intervention.