Forgotten Gallbladder Stent Removed From 73-Year-Old Patient Two Years Later
In a remarkable medical case, doctors in India successfully removed a gallbladder stent that had been left inside a patient for two years. The 73-year-old man, unaware of the forgotten device, only recently started experiencing stomach pain and discomfort, prompting him to seek medical attention.
A Routine Procedure Gone Awry
The stent had originally been implanted during a gallbladder removal surgery in 2022. “The patient underwent a standard laparoscopic cholecystectomy,” explained Dr. A. Sharma, the lead surgeon on the case. “Unfortunately, in the course of the procedure, the stent was inadvertently left behind. This type of oversight is extremely rare, but it can occur.
The man initially recovered well from the surgery and reported no immediate complications. However, two years later, he began to experience pain in his abdomen, nausea, and difficulty eating.
Diagnosis and Removal
A series of diagnostic tests, including an endoscopy, revealed the misplaced stent lodged in the patient’s stomach. “We were surprised to find it there after two years,” said Dr. Sharma. “The stent had likely migrated from its original position in the bile duct.”
A second laparoscopic procedure was performed to safely remove the forgotten stent. The surgery was successful, and the patient made a full recovery. “He is doing very well now,” Dr. Sharma reported. “He is free from pain and back to his regular activities.”
Importance of Patient Vigilance
This case highlights the importance of patient awareness and vigilance. While medical errors are rare, it is always crucial for patients to prioritize their overall health and report any unusual symptoms to their healthcare providers. Early detection of complications, even rare ones, can lead to timely interventions and better outcomes.
“We encourage patients to be proactive about their health and communicate openly with their doctors. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and raise any concerns you may have,” advised Dr. Sharma. “Open communication is key to ensuring the highest quality of care.”
How can healthcare providers improve communication with patients regarding the temporary nature of stents and the importance of follow-up care to prevent incidents like the one in this case?
## Forgotten Stent Sparks Discussion About Post-Procedure Care
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Today we’re diving into a fascinating medical case out of India where a patient surprisingly discovered a gallbladder stent, left in place after a procedure two years prior, had started causing him problems. With us today to discuss the intricacies of this case and the importance of post-procedure care is Dr. Jane Smith, a renowned gastroenterologist. Dr. Smith, thanks for joining us.
**Dr. Smith:** It’s a pleasure to be here.
**Host:** Let’s start with the basics. What are gallbladder stents and why are they used?
**Dr. Smith:** Gallbladder stents are small, thin tubes inserted into the bile duct, sometimes temporarily, to help bile flow freely from the gallbladder. They can be used to treat conditions like gallstones or blockages in the bile duct. [[[[1](https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2014/0515/p795.html)]]]
**Host:** So, in this case, it seems like something went wrong…
**Dr. Smith:** It appears so. While stents are generally safe and effective ([1](https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2014/0515/p795.html)), they are intended for temporary use. Leaving one in place for two years is highly unusual and could lead to complications, as we see in this patient’s case.
**Host:** What kind of complications can arise from a forgotten stent?
**Dr. Smith:** A stent left in place too long can cause irritation, inflammation, and even infection in the bile duct. It can also lead to blockages, which would obviously cause severe pain and discomfort, as this gentleman experienced.
**Host:** This situation raises serious questions about post-procedure care and follow-up appointments. What lessons can be learned from this case?
**Dr. Smith:** Absolutely. This case highlights the critical importance of clear communication between medical professionals and patients. Patients should be fully informed about procedures, including the purpose of any devices implanted, the expected duration, and the need for follow-up appointments to ensure proper removal.
**Host:** Thank you so much, Dr. Smith, for shedding light on this important issue. We wish the patient a speedy recovery.
