Biliary basket impaction-a rare complication of ERCP: report of a case

Abstract

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography plays an important role in the treatment of choledocolithiasis when combined with sphincterotomy and stone retrieval. Endoscopic basket impaction is a rare and an unusual complication. We herein report a successful removal of an impacted endoscopic basket from an elderly patient with choledocolithiasis by surgical exploration. A 65-year-old male patient was admitted to our service with choledocolithiasis. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and sphincterotomy was performed, but the stone could not be withdrawn via the basket because of the impaction. Surgery was our choice to remove the impacted basket. Decision of the treatment strategy in choledocolithiasis is very important and should be adapted to the patient’s general health status. The treatment modalities are various including surgical approach, and we herein describe our choice without complication and successful outcome.