Endoscopic retrieval of a proximally migrated pancreatic stent complicated by a roomy ampulla of Vater and duodenal diverticula

Proximal migration of a pancreatic stent is a rare complication of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), with an incidence of approximately 5.2% [1]. This constitutes a dire scenario, as it may cause damage to the pancreatic duct, potentially necessitating surgical intervention. We describe a case of successful retrieval of a proximally migrated pancreatic stent using a retrieval basket in a roomy ampulla of Vater with duodenal diverticula.

A 72-year-old man underwent a routine ERCP for choledocholithiasis and had a 5-Fr single-pigtail pancreatic stent placed owing to difficult biliary cannulation. After 3 weeks, the pancreatic stent was not visible at the opening of the duodenal papilla; a plain radiograph showed that the stent had migrated into the pancreatic duct ([Fig. 1]).

Fig. 1 Endoscopic view of the duodenal papilla with juxtapapillary duodenal diverticula.

ERCP was performed with the aim of retrieving the migrated pancreatic stent ([Video 1]). We were initially unable to grasp the stent using foreign body forceps (SSR-5; Cook Medical, Bloomington, Indiana, USA) because the ampulla of Vater was roomy, and 2D radiographic images were unable to play an influential guiding role ([Fig. 2]). A subsequent attempt with an extraction balloon (Cook Medical) was unsuccessful, and the stent became folded ([Fig. 3]). After this, pancreatoscopy was performed to ensure there was no visible damage to the duct ([Fig. 4]). Finally, we used a retrieval basket (Olympus, Tokyo, Japan) to secure the stent and retrieve it from the pancreatic duct ([Fig. 5]). The procedure was successful, and the patient was discharged without complications.

Endoscopic retrieval of a proximally migrated pancreatic stent in a roomy ampulla of Vater with duodenal diverticula.Video 1

Fig. 2 Fluoroscopic images showing: a complete migration of the pancreatic stent into the pancreatic duct; b foreign body forceps that are able to reach the distal end of the stent but not able to grasp it.

Fig. 3 Fluoroscopic image showing the folded stent.

Fig. 4 Choledochoscopic view showing no evidence of injury to the pancreatic duct.

Fig. 5 Images showing retrieval of the stent using the basket on: a fluoroscopic view; b endoscopic view.

The significant challenges in the present case were the roomy ampulla of Vater, in which the pigtail of the stent was located, and the narrow duodenal papilla with juxtapapillary duodenal diverticula. Foreign body forceps could not grasp the stent, as was reported in another case where a single-pigtail pancreatic stent was inserted in a normal-sized pancreatic duct [2]; however, it was possible to use a basket to successfully grasp the pancreatic stent in the roomy ampulla of Vater.

Endoscopy_UCTN_Code_CPL_1AK_2AD

Publication History

Article published online:
11 February 2025

• References

• 1 Johanson JF, Schmalz MJ, Geenen JE. Incidence and risk factors for biliary and pancreatic stent migration. Gastrointest Endosc 1992; 38: 341-346
• 2 Kudo Y, Kurita A, Yazumi S. Endoscopic retrieval of a proximally migrated pancreatic stent. Dig Endosc 2015; 27: 777