Hello, this is Andy.
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In 2023, I underwent surgery for a pancreaticobiliary maljunction (PBM). Thankfully, the surgery was a success, and my recovery had been going smoothly.
However, at the end of 2024, an unexpected complication arose.
It was later discovered that a resin clip, which had been used to control bleeding from an artery, had migrated into the bile duct, causing a biliary obstruction.
As a result, I had to undergo continuous treatment using a biliary stent throughout 2024.
I am deeply grateful to the medical team for their perseverance and for devising and carrying out an effective treatment plan under these challenging circumstances.
In this post, I will share an update as of May 2025, based on the results of contrast-enhanced CT scans and blood tests, to provide an overview of my current condition.
For more information on the previous course of treatment and background, please refer to the past articles linked below:
The resin clip that had migrated into the bile duct was eventually pushed out of the duct through stent treatment.
I'm documenting this for reference, although ideally, no one should ever have to go through something similar.
◯ Subjective Symptoms Before and After the Migration
(In hindsight, these are symptoms I experienced, although I didn’t realize they were due to clip migration at the time)
① When the resin clip migrated into the bile duct:
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I experienced a sensation as if my internal organs were being squeezed (it's hard to describe).
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A sudden chill ran through my body.
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Then came fatigue, similar to what you feel with the flu.
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Within 1–2 hours, I developed a fever—usually around 38°C (100.4°F).
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As a temporary relief, drinking fluids like Pocari Sweat and taking antipyretic/analgesic drugs such as Loxoninhelped reduce the fever through sweating.
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(Later confirmed) Blood tests showed an elevated CRP level, around 3.0.
② While the clip was still lodged in the bile duct:
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Recurrent fever with the same pattern and symptoms.
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The fever occurred randomly, but chills beforehand gave me some warning.
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Blood tests showed elevated ALT and CRP levels.
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Persistent fatigue and a notable loss of appetite. I no longer felt hungry and would feel full after eating just a small amount.
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(According to my primary doctor, the bile duct was visibly dilated.)
③ When the resin clip was pushed out of the bile duct:
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Again, I felt that squeezing sensation in my internal organs.
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Just like during the initial migration, chills came first, followed by general fatigue and then a fever.
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Drinking fluids and taking fever reducers alleviated the symptoms.
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As with the initial migration, CRP levels rose in blood tests.
◯ Causes Behind the Migration and Ejection of the Resin Clip
Pushed Out (Ejected):
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I believe the clip was expelled due to the doctors gradually replacing the stent with ones of larger diameter.
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This may have created more outward pressure than inward pressure.
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When the endoscopic stent was first inserted, I felt a sensation as if it was “hooked” inside me.
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This feeling disappeared within a few days, suggesting that the stent had settled and adjusted within the bile duct.
Migrated In:
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Unfortunately, the exact cause remains unknown.
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Since everything happening inside the body is essentially a chemical reaction, I believe contributing factors could include chemical agents, pressure, and temperature.
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Based on this line of thought, and considering what changed in my lifestyle at that time, I’ve narrowed it down to three possible triggers:
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Physical pressure on internal organs from playing golf.
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Alcohol consumption, such as beer.
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Nicotine from smoking.
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I’ve since quit smoking for good. As for golf and beer, I plan to reintroduce them cautiously while monitoring my condition.
This experience of pancreaticobiliary maljunction and the subsequent resin clip migration has been long and challenging. Although the exact symptoms and causes remained unclear for a while, I’m relieved that the migration has now been resolved.
I’m once again deeply grateful to my medical team.
My biggest concern now is avoiding a recurrence of the migration.
While I’m confident in the doctors' ability to provide symptomatic treatment, it’s frustrating that I haven’t identified the behaviors I personally need to avoid.
Still, I’ll continue to take things one step at a time and will begin with gentle physical activity to further explore potential causes.
