A Simple Method for Removing Recyclable Metal Stents via Endoscopy: A Case Report

Gastrointestinal tract stenosis is a common pathological condition encountered in clinical practice, caused by various factors such as malignant tumors, postoperative anastomotic strictures, radiation injury, or inflammatory diseases like Crohn's disease. It often leads to serious complications, including dysphagia, obstruction, and malnutrition. Endoscopic metal stent placement has become a key treatment for alleviating both benign and malignant stenosis due to its minimally invasive nature, effectiveness, and repeatability. However, stent displacement is one of the most frequent complications, and its management requires a comprehensive approach based on the type of displacement (partial or complete), clinical symptoms, and anatomical location. Endoscopy is the preferred intervention method, and multidisciplinary collaboration can optimize patient outcomes.

A 22-year-old male patient developed persistent nausea and vomiting 2 months ago after accidentally ingesting toilet cleaner. Gastroscopy revealed pyloric obstruction. After admission, a covered intestinal metal stent was placed. Two days later, the stent had migrated distally beyond the narrowed intestinal lumen. We attempted to directly remove the displaced stent under endoscopic visualization. However, the procedure was unsuccessful. Subsequently, we safely removed recyclable metal stents directly using a simple method: a transparent cap-fitted endoscope inserted through the forceps channel to control the stent's retrieval line.

Our method of controlling the retrieval thread of the metal stent through endoscopic forceps to remove the displaced stent is feasible, safe, and effective.