Standardizing Success and Troubleshooting in EUS-Guided Gastroenterostomy: An International Technical Review (With Videos)

EUS-guided gastroenterostomy (EUS-GE) is rapidly emerging as a pivotal procedure in the management of gastric outlet obstruction due to its advantages over historical comparators such as surgical gastroenterostomy and endoscopic placement of gastroduodenal stents. The ability to create a stable surgical-range connection between 2 lumens, distant from the tumor, with the minimally invasive nature of an endoscopic procedure, offers high clinical efficacy, acceptable safety, and low recurrence rates. However, widespread adoption is impeded by the steep learning curve and lack of standardized methodologies. Like other interventional EUS procedures, EUS-GE utilizes lumen apposing metal stents. Unlike drainage procedures, the target in EUS-GE is a mobile structure with a virtual resting caliber that needs to be distended to create the connection, making misdeployment a significant drawback. This comprehensive illustrated technical review dissects the general and specific technical principles of EUS-GE covering the equipment, scene, settings, and endoscopic signs of correct and incorrect placement. It provides a deeper insight into the wireless simplified EUS-GE technique, the EUS-guided double-balloon-occluded gastrojejunostomy bypass, and the direct technique. Through pragmatic tips, expert advice, and elucidative step-by-step videos, a systematic roadmap for mastering this intricate procedure is presented. By addressing common challenges and providing troubleshooting strategies, this review aims to demystify EUS-GE, equipping practitioners with the tools to achieve reproducible and optimal outcomes.