Abstract
We report a case of common bile duct stones caused by a metallic clip left during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The patient was 72-year-old female who had undergone laparoscopic cholecystectomy 15 years earlier. The post operative course was uneventful. In 2008, she had a routine examination for hypertension, and a slightly elevated total bilirubin level was noted. Ultrasonography and enhanced computed tomography showed a dilated common bile duct and the presence of stones among which was a migrated metallic clip. The diagnosis of common bile duct stones caused by a migrated metallic clip was made, and choledocholithotripsy with T-tube drainage was performed. Along with the popularization of laparoscopic cholecystectomy, cases of bile duct stones caused by a metallic clip are increasing ; various devices have been developed to avoid this complication. We would recommend a clipless procedure for laparoscopic cholecystectomy whenever feasible.
