Endoscopic treatment for duodenal perforation due to biliary stent dislocation: A case report and brief review of the literature

Abstract

Duodenal wall perforation by a dislocated biliary stent placed for biliary structure is rare but can be life-threatening. There are few reports on the management of stent-related duodenal perforation. Three cases included in this study had undergone endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with placement of a plastic stent for biliary stricture. Two cases had symptoms (fever or abdominal pain), while other case showed no symptom after biliary stent placement. Dislocation of plastic stents was revealed on computed tomography or endoscopic images. Two patients were diagnosed with duodenal perforation due to distal migration of long stents with a straight shape on the distal side. One patient was diagnosed with fistula formation between the intrahepatic bile duct and duodenum due to perforation of a pigtail stent. All cases could successfully be managed endoscopically with closure by hemoclips or stent replacement. All 3 cases were improved after endoscopic treatment without any subsequent intervention. Longer stents with a straight distal side are associated with a higher risk of duodenal perforation. Endoscopic management is appropriate as a first-line approach for a clinically stable patient. At the time of stent placement, we should pay attention to the length and type of stent.