Endoscopic management of cystic duct stumpitis

A 62-year-old man who underwent an uncomplicated laparoscopic cholecystectomy 1 year prior for acute gangrenous cholecystitis presented with abdominal pain. Computed tomography demonstrated a dilated cystic duct remnant with stones ([Fig. 1]), confirmed on magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography. The patient declined surgical intervention. Given the recent evidence [1], the patient was referred for an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).

Fig. 1 Contrast-enhanced computed tomography of the abdomen demonstrating a dilated cystic stump with abnormal enhancement at the junction with the common bile duct, and high density material at the distal margin of the cystic duct suggestive of possible stone material.

Cholangioscopy (SpyGlass Direct Visualization System; Boston Scientific, Natick, Massachusetts, USA) during ERCP revealed a markedly inflamed and stenosed cystic duct insertion ([Fig. 2]), thought to be reactive from stone disease, precluding advancement of the cholangioscope into the cystic duct remnant. The remainder of the bile duct epithelium was normal. An occlusion cholangiogram demonstrated an obstructing stone within the cystic duct remnant ([Fig. 3]). Owing to the severe inflammation, attempted stone extraction was deferred. A 5Fr × 10-cm plastic pigtail stent was placed into the cystic duct remnant for transpapillary decompression to facilitate inflammation healing ([Fig. 4]). The patient was discharged home on a course of oral antibiotics.

Fig. 2 The cholangioscope was advanced to the cystic duct insertion, which was markedly edematous and inflamed with partially denuded epithelium. The cholangioscope was unable to be advanced past the distal aspect of the cystic duct insertion owing to the significant degree of inflammation.

Fig. 3 An occlusion cholangiogram demonstrated a round filling defect consistent with a proximal obstructing stone within the cystic duct stump.

Fig. 4 A 5 Fr × 10-cm plastic pigtail stent was placed into the cystic duct remnant for transpapillary decompression and to facilitate healing of the inflammation.

On repeat ERCP 3 months later, the stent was removed and cholangiogram demonstrated a persistent stone in the cystic duct remnant([Video 1]). Cholangioscopy was performed and the inflammation had resolved ([Fig. 5]). The cholangioscope was advanced into the remnant, and a small cholesterol stone was visualized. Electrohydraulic lithotripsy (EHL) was successfully employed and the stone was extracted. A final occlusion cholangiogram confirmed clearance of the cystic duct remnant. On 4-week follow-up, the patient confirmed complete resolution of symptoms.

Video 1 Follow-up endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography 3 months after initial procedure.

Fig. 5 Cholangioscopic exam 3 months from the index endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography demonstrating complete resolution of cystic duct remnant inflammation and considerably improved narrowing of the cystic duct remnant insertion following transpapillary decompression with cystic duct stent.

Surgical resection of the cystic duct remnant has been the traditional approach for treatment of cystic duct remnant syndromes [2]. We report a case of cystic duct stump syndrome (stumpitis) managed solely with endoscopy. This case demonstrates that transpapillary stenting and calculi extraction can be effective for this syndrome, highlighting the expanding role endoscopy plays in the management of postsurgical conditions.

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Publication History

Article published online:
21 July 2022

• References

• 1 Hajifathalian K, Issa D, Carr-Locke D. et al. Cystic duct remnant syndrome: endoscopic approach to management. VideoGIE 2019; 4: 563-564
• 2 Kar A, Gulati S, Mohammed S. et al. Surgical management of cystic duct stump stone or gallbladder remnant stone. Indian J Surg 2018; 80: 284-287