Cecum perforation due to biliary stent migration

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Endoscopic procedures
• Biliary tract interventions

Background:

• Endoscopic biliary stent placement is a common procedure for benign and malignant biliary diseases.
• Complications include pancreatitis, hemorrhage, cholangitis, and perforation.
• Biliary stent migration is a rare but potentially severe complication.

Observation:

• A 26-year-old woman presented with cecal perforation.
• The perforation was attributed to the migration of an endoscopically placed biliary stent.
• This represents the second reported case of cecal perforation secondary to biliary stent migration.

Findings:

• Biliary stent migration can lead to rare but life-threatening gastrointestinal perforations.
• The cecum is an unusual site for such a complication.
• This case underscores the importance of monitoring for stent migration.

Implications:

• Clinicians should be aware of the potential for rare but severe complications like cecal perforation from biliary stent migration.
• Further research may be needed to understand the mechanisms and risk factors for distal stent migration.
• Improved surveillance or preventative strategies for biliary stent migration may be warranted.