Unexpected outcome following radiofrequency ablation of a malignant biliary stricture

Turk J Gastroenterol. 2018 Mar;29(2):230-232. doi: 10.5152/tjg.2018.17653.

Abstract

We present a case of a 60-year-old woman with extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and recurrent malignant biliary strictures status post placement of two overlapping distal bile duct uncovered self-expandable metal stents (SEMSs) who presented with biliary obstruction due to tumor/tissue ingrowth. She subsequently underwent radiofrequency ablation (RFA) through SEMS to improve biliary stent patency. Post-RFA, thermal injury was observed in the periampullary mucosa. She later developed acute pancreatitis. This is the first case of RFA-induced acute pancreatitis with endoscopic evidence of thermal injury. It should be noted that RFA-induced acute pancreatitis is a potential adverse effect as RFA through SEMS is being used more widely.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Bile Duct Neoplasms / pathology
  • Bile Duct Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Bile Ducts / pathology
  • Bile Ducts / surgery
  • Catheter Ablation / adverse effects*
  • Cholangiocarcinoma / pathology
  • Cholangiocarcinoma / surgery*
  • Constriction, Pathologic
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Pancreatitis / etiology*
  • Postoperative Complications / etiology*
  • Self Expandable Metallic Stents / adverse effects*
  • Treatment Outcome