Lumen-Apposing Metal Stents: Innovation in the Management of Pancreatic Fluid Collections

Pancreatic fluid collections complicate the course of 40% of patients with acute pancreatitis. Endoscopic ultrasound has become an essential tool to treat these lesions by guiding the placement of transluminal drainage devices. Lumen-apposing metal stents drain pancreatic pseudocysts and walled-off necrosis safely and improve patient quality of life. These stents also allow performing repeated sessions of washing and debridement of the retroperitoneum (i.e., necrosectomy). We review here the indications, technique, and outcomes of endoscopic drainage of pancreatic fluid collections with lumen-apposing metal stents.