Metal stent impaction in scope channel successfully rescued by argon plasma coagulation with double scope method

An 89-year-old woman with a history of malignant biliary obstruction caused by unresectable intraductal papillary mucinous carcinoma (IPMC) was admitted for cholangitis due to plastic stent occlusion, which had been inserted for the ingrowth occlusion of a covered self-expandable metal stent (CSEMS) ([Fig. 1]).

Fig. 1 A plastic stent was inserted for ingrowth occlusion of a covered self-expandable metal stent.

We planned to remove the plastic stent and insert another CSEMS through the existing CSEMS. Duodenoscopy (TJF 260V; Olympus, Tokyo, Japan) revealed a large quantity of mucus from IPMC, which was difficult to remove and gain clear visibility in the second part of duodenum ([Fig. 2]).

Fig. 2 A large quantity of mucus from the intraductal papillary mucinous carcinoma prevented clear visibility.

We attempted to withdraw the plastic stent using grasping forceps through the scope channel. However, we inadvertently grasped the mesh of the CSEMS together with the plastic stent and retracted them together into the scope channel. The stents became impacted in the channel and could not be pulled or pushed out with forceps.

We then inserted an ultra-thin endoscope (GIF N290; Olympus) alongside the duodenoscope, and both scopes were positioned and stretched out ([Fig. 3]).

Fig. 3 An ultrathin endoscope was inserted alongside the duodenoscope.

The ultrathin endoscope revealed the impacted CSEMS between the duodenoscope and the papilla. Transection by argon plasma coagulation (APC) was successfully performed all around the CSEMS by both straight and inverted positioning of the ultrathin endoscope ([Fig. 4], [Video 1]). Finally, we were able to withdraw the plastic stent and the CSEMS fragment through the endoscope, and insert a new CSEMS ([Fig. 5]).

Fig. 4 Transection by argon plasma coagulation was successfully performed all around the self-expandable metal stent.

Video 1 Metal stent impaction in the scope channel was successfully rescued by argon plasma coagulation using the double scope method.

Fig. 5 A new covered self-expandable metal stent was placed.

Metal stent impaction in the scope channel is a rare and dreadful adverse event. Above all, we have to pay attention to the careful removal of the plastic stent, especially when visibility is poor. In this video case report, we described metal stent impaction salvaged by APC transection using a double scope method [1]. The double scope method has been reported for endoscopic submucosal dissection [2] [3]. This is the first report of the combination of duodenoscope and ultrathin endoscope, which may be useful in other biliopancreatic procedures.

Endoscopy_UCTN_Code_CPL_1AK_2AD

Competing interests

None

• References

• 1 Ishii K, Itoi T, Sofuni A. et al. Endoscopic removal and trimming of distal self-expandable metallic biliary stents. World J Gastroenterol 2011; 17: 2652-2657
• 2 Higuchi K, Tanabe S, Azuma M. et al. Double-endoscope endoscopic submucosal dissection for the treatment of early gastric cancer accompanied by an ulcer scar (with video). Gastrointest Endosc 2013; 78: 266-273
• 3 Oterdoom LH, Goet JC, Jacobs MA. et al. Ultra-thin caliber endoscopes in daily practice: uses for therapeutic application and beyond on the basis of review of 1028 procedures. Endosc Int Open 2015; 3: E400-404