Complications due to Biliary Stent Deviation

Abstract

We often encounter complications from biliary stents used as a treatment for obstructive jaundice and acute cholangitis. Early complications after stent placement include pancreatitis, bleeding, and duodenal perforation [1]. Stent deviation is also a complication. This is particularly prominent for plastic stents, where stent deviation is observed in 6-18.7 % of cases [2]. Stent deviation is more common among patients who have undergone endoscopic sphincterotomy (Figure 1). Most deviated biliary plastic stents are excreted in stool or collected endoscopically, but, very rarely, complications causing gastrointestinal perforation have been reported. We have described deviated biliary plastic stents causing sigmoid colon diverticulum perforation and even uterine appendage penetration (Figure 2). Diagnosis can be made from clinical symptoms and abdominal computed tomography. Treatment is basically surgery. Biliary stent-related complications are inevitable, and sometimes become serious. On suspicion of such complications, the most important issue is to accurately and rapidly diagnose complications and conduct appropriate management.