Abstract
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.
