A Fatal Complication: Intestinal Perforation Secondary to Migration of a Biliary Stent

Summary

Background

Stent insertion is widely performed to restore biliary drainage in hepatic, biliary, and pancreatic obstructive conditions. Intestinal perforation due to the migration of these stents is an extremely rare late-term complication that is associated with a high rate of mortality. The current report aimed at presenting the radiological findings of a case of extraluminal biliary stent migration into the pelvic region that caused intestinal perforation.

Case Report

We report a case of an 85-year-old male with a history of previous stent insertion who presented with a sudden – onset severe abdominal pain. An abdominal multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) revealed a tubular foreign body density, compatible with intestinal perforation due to migration of the biliary stent.

Conclusions

Biliary stent insertion becomes a more common procedure. This serious complication must always be remembered in patients presenting with abdominal pain after stent insertion.