Post written by Dennis Chen, MD, from the Center for Endoscopic Research and Therapeutics, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA.

This Technology Status Evaluation Report evaluates the available ablative therapy devices for pancreatic and biliary ductal conditions and reviews the devices, techniques, indications, efficacy, and safety profiles of the existing technology.

Ablative therapies have been increasingly used in treatment of biliary and pancreatic neoplastic conditions. As these interventions become more widespread and more patients and providers become aware of these options, endoscopists may receive an increased volume of referrals for these treatments. The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Technology Committee (ASGE) members felt that this was an opportune time to create this document as a readily accessible reference and review for ASGE membership.

This report discusses the commercially available devices and describes each technique including, when appropriate, electrosurgical settings and timing of treatment based on published data. This should serve as a reference for endoscopists who do not perform these procedures frequently to confirm their technique and provides a resource for endoscopists who are interested in adding one or more of these interventions to their treatment armamentarium.

In addition, the report reviews the existing literature on efficacy and adverse events related to these treatments to assist providers in discussing the risks and benefits of these therapies with patients.

Read the full article online.

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