A review of problems following insertion of biliary stents illustrated by an unusual complication.
BACKGROUND
The management of obstructive jaundice resulting from both benign and malignant causes relies heavily on minimally invasive techniques and particularly with the insertion of biliary endoprostheses. Migration of these biliary stents is a well-documented problem and can result in a variety of complications including perforation, intra-abdominal sepsis, fistulae formation, obstruction and appendicitis.


METHODS
A literature search was performed using PubMed examining case reports, published abstracts and reviews to date (2009). In addition, we report a left groin abscess as a previously unreported complication following migration of a biliary endoprosthesis.


RESULTS
Stent migration can lead to serious complications and produce significant morbidity and mortality. Symptomatic patients especially those with other co-morbid abdominal pathologies such as colonic diverticulae, parastomal hernia or abdominal hernias may be at an increased risk of perforation especially when straight plastic stents are used.
Bagul
Atul
A
HPB Department, University Hospitals of Leicester, Leicester General Hospital, Gwendolen Road, Leicester, UK. atulbagul@hotmail.com
Pollard
Cristina
C
Dennison
Ashley R
AR
D000368:Aged; D002760:Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde; D012809:Colon, Sigmoid / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005260:Female; D005548:Foreign-Body Migration / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D007085:Ilium / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D041781:Jaundice, Obstructive / Q000601:surgery*; D015607:Stents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed