Endoscopic treatment for duodenal perforation due to biliary stent dislocation: A case report and brief review of the literature

Rationale: Duodenal wall perforation by a dislocated biliary stent placed for biliary structure is rare but can be life-threatening. There are few reports on the management of stent-related duodenal perforation. Patient concerns: Three cases included in this study had undergone endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with placement of a plastic stent for biliary stricture. Two cases had symptoms (fever or abdominal pain), while other case showed no symptom after biliary stent placement. Diagnoses: Dislocation of plastic stents was revealed on computed tomography or endoscopic images. Two patients were diagnosed with duodenal perforation due to distal migration of long stents with a straight shape on the distal side. One patient was diagnosed with fistula formation between the intrahepatic bile duct and duodenum due to perforation of a pigtail stent. Interventions: All cases could successfully be managed endoscopically with closure by hemoclips or stent replacement. Outcomes: All 3 cases were improved after endoscopic treatment without any subsequent intervention. Lessons: Longer stents with a straight distal side are associated with a higher risk of duodenal perforation. Endoscopic management is appropriate as a first-line approach for a clinically stable patient. At the time of stent placement, we should pay attention to the length and type of stent.