Intra-peritoneal duodenal perforation caused by delayed migration of endobiliary stent: a case report

Endoscopic biliary stenting is an accepted modality of palliation of malignant biliary obstructions. Delayed stent migration causing intra-peritoneal perforation of duodenum, is a rare life threatening complication. Proximal adhesion of stent to the tumor is believed to increase the intensity of distal trauma produced by the intra-duodenal segment, preventing its adaptation to intestinal peristalsis and causing perforation. Low bacterial load and containment of leak by gut and omentum blunts the clinical features. Unexplained abdominal discomfort in stented patients should alert the clinician to its possibility, irrespective of the delay between stent placement and onset of symptoms. Early diagnosis and treatment is desirable but aggressive surgical management with gastro-biliary diversion, tube duodenostomy, antibiotics, bowel rest and parenteral alimentation followed by distal alimentation, may make up for the delay in those presenting late. A case of 7 days old intra-peritoneal duodenal perforation following delayed migration (3 months) of endobiliary stent presenting with atypical features is reported. Stent's distal end was protruding through the duodenum with its proximal end in CBD. Mortality, fistulization, abscesses and sepsis are known complications but were not observed in our case. Much of the management can be done minimally invasively, if recognized early.