Delayed intrabiliary migration of embolization material after hepatic arterial embolization: a case report
Xiudi Chen1,2,3, Yukun Ying2, Hongwei Qian1,2,3
1Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Shaoxing People's Hospital, Shaoxing, China.
Frontiers in Surgery
|July 31, 2026
Summary
Delayed migration of metallic coils used in transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) can cause recurrent biliary issues. Early diagnosis is difficult, but careful endoscopic evaluation can confirm intrabiliary coil involvement.
Area of Science:
- Hepatobiliary Surgery
- Interventional Radiology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) with metallic coils is standard for arterial bleeding in liver surgery.
- Delayed migration of embolization coils into the biliary system is a rare complication.
- This migration can cause recurrent biliary symptoms and poses diagnostic challenges due to imaging limitations.