Endoscopic removal of an embedded uncovered biliary self-expandable metal stent with a mechanichal lithotriptor.

Biliary fully-covered self-expandable metal stents (FCSEMS) can be used for benign conditions since they can be removed. Uncovered SEMS (uSEMS) are employed for malignant biliary obstruction and are intended to be permanent. Furthermore, they are almost impossible to remove because they become embedded in the bile duct. We present a technique for uSEMS removal in a patient in whom a biliary uSEMS had been inserted for two years. Biliary obstruction due pancreatic cancer was misdiagnosed. Finally an IgG4 related-disease (autoimmune pancreatitis) was identified.