Abstract
The endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided rendezvous technique was reported to be a useful salvage method for patients with failed cannulation. In such patients, after bile duct puncture under EUS guidance, cholangiography was obtained. Then the guidewire was inserted through the needle into the bile duct and further antegradely advanced through the papilla into the duodenum. The echoendoscope was removed leaving the guidewire in place, followed by duodenoscope insertion. Finally, the bile duct was cannulated alongside of the guidewire or over the guidewire. The EUS-guided rendezvous technique is a complicated procedure and not yet standardized due to the absence of dedicated devices. However, the EUS-guided rendezvous technique allows reliable bile duct cannulation because of bile duct access under ultrasonographic guidance compared to conventional retrograde bile duct cannulation using the ERCP technique. However, the possibility of serious complications, such as bile leak or peritonitis, should be of concern due to bile duct access through the peritoneum or retroperitoneum. To gain familiarity with various approach routes in the EUS-guided rendezvous technique is essential for a successful procedure.
