Recurrent Choledocholithiasis Secondary to Migrated Surgical Clips in Patient With Near Complete Resection of Bile Duct Following a Robotic Cholecystectomy

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

10-2023

Publication Title

American Journal of Gastroenterology

Abstract

Introduction: Cholecystectomy is a common surgery with a low complication rate. However, rare complications such as surgical clip migration can occur. We present a case of near transection of the bile duct following cholecystectomy, complicated by recurrent choledocholithiasis due to surgical clip migration. Case Description/Methods: Patient is a 67-year-old man who presented with right upper quadrant (RUQ) abdominal pain. Ultrasound abdomen revealed acute calculus cholecystitis for which he had multiport robotic cholecystectomy. Postoperatively, he developed pain and fluid collection in the RUQ concerning for biliary leak. He underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) revealing biliary leak at the superior portion of the common bile duct (CBD) without visualization of the intrahepatic ducts and what appeared to be a near complete transection of common hepatic duct (CHD). A wire could not be passed into the intrahepatic ducts and a plastic stent was placed in the CBD. Magnetic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) showed increased intrahepatic ductal dilation with abrupt cut-off near the CHD concerning for transection. The patient was then transferred to our center where successful cannulation of intrahepatic ducts was done via ERCP. CHD stricture was dilated and 2 plastic biliary stents were placed in both intrahepatic ducts. Over the next 2 years, he underwent a total of 8 ERCPs with dilation of the CHD stricture and stents exchange. He had recurrent choledocholithiasis which were removed with balloon sweep. However, during the final 2 ERCPs 3 plastic foreign bodies resembling surgical clips were also removed. A review of the operative report from the initial cholecystectomy revealed the use of plastic Liga clips, Hem-O-Lok, which could have been the ones that were removed during the ERCP. After the removal of the third clip, he has been doing well without abdominal pain (Figure 1). Discussion: Clip migration into the CBD after cholecystectomy is a rare complication. It has only been reported in case reports. Stump necrosis and the low resistance path of the CBD are proposed mechanisms for migration. In this case, near transection of the CBD occurred, leading to a stricture likely caused by a surgical clip. The clips may have eroded into the CBD, acting as a nidus for recurrent stone formation. In conclusion, Postcholecystectomy clip migration should be considered in patients with recurrent choledocholithiasis, particularly in the presence of bile duct injury.

Volume

118

Issue

10S

First Page

S2253

Comments

American College of Gastroenterology Annual Scientific Meeting, October 20-25, 2023, Vancouver, Canada

Last Page

S2254

DOI

10.14309/01.ajg.0000963272.70464.25

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