Duodenal perforation secondary to biliary stent dislocation: a case report and review of the literature

Gut perforation secondary to the insertion of a biliary stent is an uncommon but potentially life-threatening complication. Duodenal perforation has to be taken into consideration whenever the patient starts to suffer severe abdominal pain after the stenting procedure. An early diagnosis is fundamental in order to avoid further complications. Timely conservative treatment with nasogastric suction, nothing by mouth, antibiotics and stent replacement could prevent infection and consequent development of an abscess. We report a case of duodenal perforation secondary to biliary endoprosthesis dislocation in which, in spite of prompt diagnosis and treatment, a large retroperitoneal abscess developed and a CT-guided drainage proved necessary followed later by a surgical operation.