Extraction of surgical clip-induced "lollipop" choledocholithiasis

Cholecystectomy clip-induced biliary stone: Case report and literature review

ABSTRACT

Migration of cholecystectomy surgical clip into the common bile duct with subsequent stone formation is a rare phenomenon, one which may lead to complications including obstruction, pain, nausea, vomiting and fever. The mechanism of migration is largely unknown but may result from a combination of factors including necrosis, intra-abdominal pressure or poor surgical technique with migrated clip serving as a nidus for stone formation. We present a 55-year-old woman with clip-induced stone impacted at the distal common bile duct 12 years post-cholecystectomy and a review of the literature related to cholecystectomy clip stone formation. In addition, we reviewed relevant English language case reports and literature reviews by searching PubMed using search terms 'stone', 'clip', 'cholecystectomy' and 'biliary'. There was no limit to the date of publication. Our study found 68 unduplicated cases of clip-induced stones which had a wide range of onset and presenting systems. Further research is needed to identify risk factors, methods of prevention and benefits of early detection screening.

Clip as Nidus for Choledocholithiasis after Cholecystectomy-Literature Review

Background and Objectives

Foreign material in the biliary tree may serve as a nidus for stone formation and would usually present as choledocholithiasis with jaundice or cholangitis. Overall it is a rare occurrence, but there are many anecdotal reports of ingested matter or surgical material such as suture or clips causing biliary stones. Especially interesting are the cases in which there is migration of a metallic clip used in laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Cholecystectomy is such a common operation that although the phenomenon is rare, it is important because it is preventable, and as such a review of the topic seems worthwhile.

Methods

The available literature was searched using the EMBASE and Ovid databases and reviewed. The various devices and sutures used to occlude the cystic duct in laparoscopic cholecystectomy are discussed with reference to their safety.

Results and Conclusion

We found that the harmonic scalpel is a reasonable alternative with minimal complications but is however limited by cost. Electrosurgical vessel-sealing, ultrasonic shears, absorbable sutures such as endoloops (PDS), and polymer clips as well absorbable magnesium-calcium-zinc alloy clip are discussed.