Background: Solid pseudopapillary neoplasm (SPN) is a rare pancreatic tumor with malignant potential. Its diagnosis has grown alongside increased use of abdominal imaging. SPN is suspected after classical findings in abdominal imaging studies; however, endoscopic ultrasound-guided (EUS) fine needle aspiration can support preoperative diagnosis. The treatment of choice is still surgical intervention, with an intent to reach curative resection. The prognosis is excellent. Recently, emerging data on EUS-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) suggest changing the choice of treatment for small SPN. Methods: We provide a comprehensive overview on pancreatic SPN with a focus on treatment, adverse events, recurrence rate, and outcomes. In addition, we provide a literature summary and pool data analysis. Results: Overall, 70 papers including 6651 patients were identified. The mean SPN size was 5.8 cm, metastasis rate was 1.9%, and recurrence rate was 3%. Moreover, the mortality rate was low at 0.2%, although high postoperative adverse events were reported (32.4%). Small SPN (<2 cm) was present in 4.1% of the studies. Two studies reported EUS-RFA for small SPN <2 cm, without recurrence at a median follow-up of 18.5 months. Conclusions: SPN still necessitates surgical intervention given its malignant potential. However, EUS-RFA can represent a promising and safe therapeutic option for SPN < 2 cm.
Objective: Endoscopic ultrasound-guided gallbladder drainage (EUS-GBD) has emerged as a promising alternative for biliary decompression in patients with malignant distal biliary obstruction (MDBO), used either as a first-line approach or after other interventions have failed. This study aimed to evaluate the aggregated efficacy and safety of EUS-GBD in this patient population. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was carried out across PubMed/Medline, Embase, and Cochrane databases up to 9 January 2024, to identify studies reporting outcomes of EUS-GBD in MDBO cases. The primary endpoint assessed was clinical success, while secondary endpoints included technical success and the incidence of adverse events (AEs). Pooled outcomes were calculated using a random-effects model and presented with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: Seven studies encompassing a total of 193 patients were included in the analysis. The combined clinical success rate for EUS-GBD was 88.1% [95% CI: 78.9–94.9%], while the technical success rate was 99.2% [95% CI: 97.5–100%]. The overall AE rate was 13.7% [95% CI: 9.3–18.8%], with the majority being mild to moderate in severity; no fatal complications were reported. Subgroup analyses indicated that use of smaller lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMS) (<15 mm) was associated with slightly higher clinical success (93.3% [95% CI: 72.4–99.9%]) compared to larger stents (≥15 mm) (87.1% [95% CI: 78.8–93.5%]), and a marginally lower rate of AEs (12.3% [95% CI: 6.4–19.7%] vs. 15.2% [95% CI: 6.5–26.6%]). Conclusions: EUS-GBD demonstrates excellent technical performance, high clinical efficacy, and a manageable safety profile in patients with MDBO and a patent cystic duct.