Recanalization of a distorted duodenal metal stent using a fine-gauge electrocautery dilator

Duodenal obstruction sometimes occurs due to pancreaticobiliary carcinoma. Because the prognosis of the advanced stage is limited, duodenal metal stents are often deployed as conservative treatment [1] [2] [3] [4]. However, if a transpapillary bile duct stent has previously been deployed, duodenal stents can become distorted by the bile duct stent. We herein describe technical tips for recanalization of a distorted duodenal metal stent using a novel fine-gauge electrocautery dilator (Medico’s Hirata Inc., Osaka Japan) [5]. This device can reduce adverse events due to burning effects compared with a conventional electrocautery dilator.

A 77-year-old man with a 4-month history of pancreatic head cancer was admitted with a duodenal obstruction, which was treated by biliary stenting using a fully covered self-expandable metal stent (FCSEMS). He experienced vomiting despite resolution of the obstructive jaundice and chemotherapy. Therefore, duodenal metal stent deployment was attempted. First, an endoscope was inserted into the duodenum, and a guidewire was advanced into the intestine across the stricture site under fluoroscopic guidance ([Fig. 1]). An uncovered duodenal metal stent (HANARO stent; M.I. Tech Co., Ltd., Seoul, Korea) was then deployed ([Fig. 2]). However, the vomiting persisted. Fluoroscopic imaging revealed that the duodenal stent was distorted, so an endoscope was advanced into it. The distortion was caused by the stent being placed through the mesh of the biliary stent ([Fig. 3]). We broke the mesh of the duodenal and bile duct stents using a fine-gauge electrocautery dilator to prevent mucosal injury ([Fig. 4]). Fluoroscopy showed good flow of contrast medium ([Fig. 5]), and the vomiting immediately resolved ([Video 1]).

Fig. 1 The guidewire was advanced into the duodenum.

Fig. 2 A metal stent was deployed in the duodenum.

Fig. 3 The duodenal stent had become distorted due to being positioned through the mesh of the biliary stent.

Fig. 4 The mesh was broken in the duodenal and bile duct stents using a fine-gauge electrocautery dilator.

Fig. 5 The duodenal stent was recanalized.

Video 1 The duodenal stent became distorted because it was placed through the mesh of the biliary stent. The mesh was broken using a fine-gauge electrocautery dilator and the duodenal stent was recanalized.

In conclusion, the novel fine-gauge electrocautery dilator helped to resolve the cause of stent distortion while preventing mucosal damage.

Endoscopy_UCTN_Code_CPL_1AH_2AD

Publication History

Article published online:
20 April 2021

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