Retrieval of a proximally migrated biliary stent using a novel grasp-and-traction technique

Proximal migration of a biliary stent is a feared adverse event after ERCP that can be challenging to manage endoscopically. Standard techniques for stent retrieval include balloon traction, use of grasping forceps, basket, or stent retrievers, or cholangioscopy-guided interventions.

This case describes a patient with a proximally migrated biliary stent refractory to all standard endoscopic retrieval techniques.

Concurrent use of balloon traction with simultaneous passage of grasping miniforceps through a single working channel was ultimately successful in the retrieval of a proximally migrated biliary stent without any reported adverse events.

This novel retrieval method for proximally migrated biliary stents combines simultaneous tension from balloon traction and grasping miniforceps through a single working channel. This multimodal and readily available "grasp-and-traction" approach provides an alternative when standard endoscopic techniques for stent retrieval fail.