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Biliary stent migration into the abdominal wall: a case report
Vincenzo Minutolo1, Giuseppe Gagliano, Alessandro Buttafuoco
1Department of Surgical Science, Organ Transplantation and Advanced Technologies, University of Catania.
Abstract:
Biliary stent migration occurs in about 5% of patients. The most common complications secondary to stent migration are pancreatitis, small bowel perforation and peritonitis. We report the case of a patient presenting with an abdominal wall abscess secondary to migration of a biliary stent. Direct abdominal radiography, abdominal ultrasound and CT scan have proved very useful in the diagnosis, providing the correct localisation of the stent in the left rectus muscle of the abdominal wall that led to a surgical approach under local anaesthesia for the removal, and abscess formation surrounding the stent. The patient was discharged on the day after surgery. After reviewing the literature concerning this rare complication, the Authors conclude that closer monitoring of patients with biliary prostheses is needed to prevent the migration and the consequent serious complications.
Insights
Biliary stent migration, a rare complication, can lead to serious issues like abdominal wall abscesses. Prompt diagnosis via imaging and surgical removal are crucial for patient recovery and preventing further health problems.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Medical Imaging
- Surgical Complications
Background:
- Biliary stent migration affects approximately 5% of patients.
- Common complications include pancreatitis, small bowel perforation, and peritonitis.
Observation:
- A rare case of biliary stent migration resulted in an abdominal wall abscess.
- Imaging techniques like radiography, ultrasound, and CT scans were vital for diagnosis.
- The migrated stent was located within the rectus muscle, surrounded by an abscess.
Findings:
- Surgical removal of the migrated stent under local anesthesia was successful.
- The patient recovered and was discharged the following day.
Implications:
- This case highlights the need for enhanced patient monitoring following biliary prosthesis placement.
- Preventing stent migration is essential to avoid severe and potentially life-threatening complications.
- Further research into proactive measures for biliary stent management is warranted.
