Endoscopic retrieval of a migrated pancreatic stent using a handmade catheter with a guidewire loop

Endoscopic pancreatic stenting (EPS) is performed to relieve obstruction to pancreatic juice flow in patients with various pancreatic conditions [1]. Migration of plastic pancreatic stents is one complication of EPS and occurs at a rate of 5 % – 6 % [2]. The migrated stent should be removed because it may induce a severe pancreatic condition [3]. However, endoscopic removal is technically difficult owing to the small diameter, bending course, and strictures of the pancreatic duct [3] [4]. We describe an innovative technique for removing a migrated pancreatic stent.

A 16-year-old male patient who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy for treatment of traumatic pancreatic injury presented with mild pancreatitis due to pancreaticojejunal anastomotic stenosis. EPS was successfully performed under double-balloon endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. Four months later, computed tomography revealed proximal migration of the pancreatic stent ([Fig. 1]). Conventional approaches for retrieval using a basket catheter and snare failed.

Fig. 1 Computed tomography showing a pancreatic stent that has migrated into the pancreatic duct.

A handmade catheter with a guidewire loop was created using a double-lumen catheter (uneven double-lumen catheter; Piolax Medical Devices, Kanagawa, Japan) and a 0.025 inch guidewire (Radifocus; Terumo, Tokyo, Japan) ([Fig. 2]) as follows. First, the catheter was cut to a 25 cm length from the edge of the tail side to facilitate guidewire maneuver. Next, both tips of the guidewire were inserted into the open ends of the double-lumen catheter ([Fig. 3]). The following procedure ([Fig. 4]) was then performed after obtaining written informed consent. The catheter with the guidewire loop was cannulated over the distal aspect of the stent. The size of the loop was adjusted by simultaneously pushing both guidewires, and the proximal flap of the stent was captured by minimizing the size of the guidewire loop ([Fig. 5]). Finally, the migrated pancreatic stent was successfully retrieved without grasp slippage or complications ([Video 1]).

Fig. 2 Double-lumen catheter (uneven double-lumen catheter; Piolax, Kanagawa, Japan) and 0.025 inch guidewire (Radifocus guidewire; Terumo, Tokyo, Japan).

Fig. 3 Schema showing a handmade catheter with guidewire loop. Cutting of the catheter to a 25 cm length from the edge of the injection side. Insertion of the wire into both open ends of the double-lumen catheter. Completion of the guidewire loop.

Fig. 4 Schema showing the removal procedure. Opening of the guidewire loop over the distal aspect of the stent. Size adjustment of the loop. Capture of the stent flap.

Fig. 5 Fluoroscopic image showing removal of the proximal stent captured by minimizing the size of the guidewire loop.

Video 1 An innovative procedure for retrieval of a migrated pancreatic stent using a handmade catheter with a guidewire loop.

This novel procedure can be a simple, safe, and effective option for removing a migrated pancreatic stent.

Endoscopy_UCTN_Code_TTT_1AR_2AZ

Competing interests

None

Acknowledgments

We thank Angela Morben, DVM, ELS, from Edanz Group (www.edanzediting.com/ac) for editing a draft of this manuscript.

• References

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