Common bile duct stent-stone complex: the silent threat of forgotten biliary stents-case series

Choledocholithiasis, a frequent cause of biliary obstruction, occurs in 10%-15% of patients with gallstones. However, a stent-stone complex around a biliary stent is an extremely rare complication. Common biliary duct stent-stone complexes can be managed endoscopically or surgically. The authors report two rare cases of forgotten common bile duct stent-stone complexes presenting with acute cholangitis and obstructive jaundice, both of which necessitated surgical intervention. A stent-stone complex is a rare long-term complication of forgotten biliary stenting. Patients remain asymptomatic or present with delayed complications, such as acute cholangitis, obstructive jaundice, or pancreatitis. The stent is often missed on magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography and ultrasonography if packed with stones. Surgery is the treatment of choice for this condition. A proper, reliable history, and counseling for early removal are required to prevent this sequelae.