Haemorrhage due to erosion of a metal biliary stent through the duodenal wall.
Self-expanding, metal biliary stents have recently been used in malignant obstructive jaundice as their large diameter reduces the likelihood of occlusion by biliary sludge and bacterial biofilm. However, there is a significant rate of late obstruction by tumour overgrowth and infiltration through the wire mesh. Our case of stent erosion through the duodenal wall, resulting in massive haemorrhage, is a hitherto unreported serious complication of the Wallstent (Schneider). Its occurrence may be suggested by continuous upper abdominal pain, gastrointestinal bleeding or late expansion of the stent.
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Gastroenterology/Liver Unit, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Nedlands, Western Australia.
Laurence
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BH
D004378:Duodenal Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D004868:Equipment Failure; D005260:Female; D006471:Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D015607:Stents