In a rare and medically complex case, a 72-year-old woman from Dombivli was found to have a bile duct stent that had calcified into a stone-like mass inside her liver after being left in place for over a decade. Doctors at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Navi Mumbai successfully removed the embedded stents using advanced laser-assisted technology.
Abdominal Pain Uncovers a Decade-Old Medical Mystery
Nalini Devidas Sawaskar began experiencing persistent abdominal pain and vomiting in late 2024. Initially assumed to be a minor gastrointestinal issue, detailed imaging revealed a shocking cause: two plastic biliary stents placed over 10 years ago—one of which had severely migrated and calcified inside her liver.
“We thought it was just a stomach problem. I had no idea something from ten years ago could come back like this,” said Nalini, who originally received the stents to treat a common bile duct (CBD) stone.
How a Biliary Stent Became a Liver Stone
Biliary stents are small tubes inserted into the bile duct to help drain bile from the liver to the intestine, often used for treating blockages caused by stones, tumors, or inflammation. These plastic stents are typically meant to be removed or replaced within 3–6 months. However, due to her chronic conditions—including hypertension, heart disease, and arthritis—Nalini missed follow-up visits and forgot about the stents. Over the years, no doctor flagged their presence.
“The stent had migrated deep into the liver and turned into a stone,” said Dr. Dipak Bhangale, consultant gastroenterologist and hepatologist who led her treatment. “It was completely encased in bile salts and calcium, forming a calcified mass embedded in liver tissue.”
Minimally Invasive Laser Procedure Saves the Day
As reported by Hindustan Times, traditional endoscopy had already failed at another center, and open surgery carried high risks due to Nalini’s age and comorbidities. In April 2025, Dr. Bhangale and his team opted for laser-assisted cholangioscopy—a minimally invasive procedure that uses a fiber-optic endoscope and laser to directly access the bile duct.
With precision, they used laser energy to break down the first heavily calcified stent and remove it piece by piece. They fragmented the second stent and pushed it into the intestine to pass naturally. “It was like extracting a stone wrapped around fragile plastic,” said Dr. Bhangale. “One misstep could’ve left fragments we couldn’t retrieve.”
Following the procedure, the team placed a temporary stent to ensure proper bile drainage. Nalini was discharged within five days and has since made a full recovery. “I feel like I’ve been given a second life,” she said.
Experts Stress the Need for Patient Awareness and Timely Follow-Up
Dr. Amey Sonavane, consultant hepatologist at Apollo Hospital (not involved in the case), called the complication extremely rare. “Plastic stents are safe when monitored, but if left in too long, they can cause severe problems,” he said. “Patients need clear communication about stent removal timelines.”
He emphasized that persistent abdominal pain, jaundice, or fever years after a stent placement should never be ignored.
A Wake-Up Call for Medical Community
Dr. Bhangale is preparing to publish the case in a medical journal to raise awareness about the risks of unmonitored implants. “Implants are not meant to be forgotten. Regular follow-up is not optional—it’s life-saving,” he stated.
This extraordinary case serves as a reminder to both patients and healthcare providers about the critical importance of timely stent management and follow-up care.