Pancreatic perforation caused by the Soehendra® retrieval device in a patient with chronic pancreatitis

Abstract

Summary of Event : An endoscopic retrograde pancreatic duct (ERPD) stent was inserted in a male patient with chronic pancreatitis via endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) to relieve chronic epigastric pain. After the procedure, an abdominal computed tomography scan showed localized peritonitis with a dislocated ERPD stent. The patient underwent an emergency operation, which revealed that the peritonitis was caused by perforation of the pancreatic parenchyma by the ERPD stent.

Teaching Point : A hydrophilic guide wire can puncture the pancreas during ERPD stent insertion. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure that the guide wire reaches the main pancreatic duct, especially in patients with chronic pancreatitis.