EUS-Guided Biliary Drainage in Patients With Inoperable Malignant Distal Biliary Obstruction and Failed ERCP: a Prospective Feasibility Multicenter Trial

Our central hypothesis is that EGBD is equally effective and safe to percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) but is associated with better quality of life than PTBD in patients with inoperable malignant distal biliary obstruction who have failed prior ERCP. Furthermore, EGBD may be associated with decreased procedure-related costs. Patients who undergo PTBD usually require multiple procedures for stent exchange/upsize. Our initial study will be a prospective multicenter feasibility study that will include patients with inoperable distal biliary obstruction who have failed ERCP. If feasibility is demonstrated, our goal will be to compare EGBD and PTBD in a randomized multicenter international trial with a crossover design.