EUS-guided Biliary Drainage of First Intent With the Lumen Apposing Metal Stent vs. ERCP in the Management of Malignant Distal Biliary Obstruction (AXIOS-CPRE)

A curvilinear endoscope is inserted orally and advanced to the duodenal bulb. Biliary accessibility will then be confirmed via endoscopic ultrasound (EE) from the duodenal bulb and via Doppler ultrasound to exclude any disturbing vessels. In order to maintain the stability of the duodenal bulb, the long endoscope position will be used whenever possible. A SMAL (AxiosTM) will be inserted with the assistance of cautery and then deployed. The use of a guidewire and the choice of stent size will be at the endoscopist's discretion.

A duodenoscope is advanced to the papilla orally. The bile duct is then cannulated with a sphincterotome using the guidewire assisted technique. A cholangiogram is then performed followed by the placement of a self-expanding metallic bile stent. The performance of the biliary sphincterotomy before placement of the stent and the choice of the size of the stent will be at the discretion of the endoscopist.