Benign retropneumoperitoneum developed after endoscopic sphincterotomy and large balloon dilation of biliary sphincter for removal of large biliary stones: a case report

Cases J. 2008 Oct 28;1(1):279. doi: 10.1186/1757-1626-1-279.

Abstract

Biliary endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) followed by biliary orifice dilation (BOD) with large-diameter balloons (> 12 mm) is a relative new technique for extraction of large biliary stones. However, the safety and the potential complications of this combined technique are not known yet. We present a patient who developed benign retroperitoneum after ES plus BOD with large-diameter balloon for removal of a large biliary stone, which was successfully treated conservatively. To the best of our knowledge this is the first report of such a complication after introduction of this method to clinical practice.