Colonic diverticular perforation by a migrated biliary stent: A case report with literature review

Plastic endobiliary stents, after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, can get spontaneously dislocated from the common bile duct and migrate intothe distal bowel. Most migrated biliary stents are removed with the passing of stool. However, migrated biliary stents can cause bowel perforation, albeit rarely, and surgical intervention may be required. Recently, we observed a colonic diverticular perforation caused by a migrated biliary stent, and we have reported this case with a review of the literature.

A 74-year-old man presented with severe right lower quadrant pain after biliary stent insertion 1month ago.

Abdominal computed tomography revealed perforation of the proximal ascending colon by the migrated biliary stent, combined with localized peritonitis.

Emergency diagnostic laparoscopic examination revealed penetration of the proximal ascending colon by the plastic biliary stent, and right hemicolectomy was performed.

On pathological examination, colonic diverticular perforation by the biliary stent was confirmed. The patient was discharged without any additional complications.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography endoscopists must always be cautious of the possibility of stent migration in patients with biliary stents in situ. In cases of biliary stent dislocation from the common bile duct in asymptomatic patients, follow-up with serial, plain abdominal radiographs, and physical examination is needed until confirmation of spontaneous passage through stool. In symptomatic cases suggesting peritonitis, abdominal computed tomography scan confirmation is needed, and early intervention should be considered.