Michael E. Cohen

Bile duct perforation: a complication of large caliber endoprosthesis

Endoscopic retrograde placement of a biliary endoprosthesis has proven to be an effective noninvasive method to palliate malignant biliary obstruction. Although this technique is safer than surgical bypass or percutaneous drainage, complications may still occur. We report a rare late complication, erosion of a large diameter endoprosthesis through the common bile duct into the hepatic parenchyma, and discuss its pathogenesis and treatment.