BACKGROUND: Proximal migration of a biliary stent is an uncommon event, but its management can present a technical challenge to the therapeutic endoscopist. OBJECTIVE: We reviewed the methods that have been used for retrieval of proximally migrated biliary stents in a referral endoscopic center. PATIENTS-METHOD, AND RESULTS: From January 1995 to December 1998, there were 410 procedures for insertion of biliary stents. Eighteen patients had migrated biliary stents; 15 stents (83%) were extracted successfully. One half of the stents were retrieved by grasping the stent directly with a wire basket. Four were recovered using the Soehendra device, and a stone retrieval balloon alongside the stents to provide traction indirectly in two patients. Surgical techniques were necessary in three cases. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with a dilated duct, indirect traction with a balloon or direct grasping of the stent with a wire basket is usually successful. Cannulating the stent lumen with a wire is often the best approach in patients with biliary stricture or nondilated duct. Using these techniques, most proximally migrated biliary stents can be retrieved endoscopically.
BACKGROUND: Proximal migration of a biliary stent is an uncommon event, but its management can present a technical challenge to the therapeutic endoscopist. OBJECTIVE: We reviewed the methods that have been used for retrieval of proximally migrated biliary stents in a referral endoscopic center. PATIENTS-METHOD, AND RESULTS: From January 1995 to December 1998, there were 410 procedures for insertion of biliary stents. Eighteen patients had migrated biliary stents; 15 stents (83%) were extracted successfully. One half of the stents were retrieved by grasping the stent directly with a wire basket. Four were recovered using the Soehendra device, and a stone retrieval balloon alongside the stents to provide traction indirectly in two patients. Surgical techniques were necessary in three cases. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with a dilated duct, indirect traction with a balloon or direct grasping of the stent with a wire basket is usually successful. Cannulating the stent lumen with a wire is often the best approach in patients with biliary stricture or nondilated duct. Using these techniques, most proximally migrated biliary stents can be retrieved endoscopically.