Surgeons Removed Migrated Clips From Bile Duct
A 75-year-old patient underwent surgery to remove stones and foreign objects 16 months after a gallbladder procedure.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Men’s Health
In June 2026, surgeons at Taicang Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University successfully removed two migrated surgical clips from a 75-year-old man. The objects, embedded in bile duct stones, had caused significant pain and jaundice.
Why it matters
Clip migration following laparoscopic gallbladder removal is a rare but serious complication that can occur years after initial surgery. Understanding the limitations of imaging tools for detection is essential for diagnosing the root cause of late-onset abdominal symptoms.
A review of 36 cases showed CT scans correctly identified migrated clips in 12 of 13 patients, while MRCP scans had a 25% identification rate. Clip migration complications have been recorded in medical literature over a period ranging from two weeks to 35 years post-surgery.
The players
Taicang Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University
This is the medical facility in China where the patient underwent the secondary surgery to remove the migrated clips.
The details
The patient presented with upper abdominal pain and jaundice 16 months after undergoing a laparoscopic gallbladder removal. Surgeons reopened the bile duct to extract two clips—one Hem-o-lok plastic clip and one titanium clip—along with stones, including one measuring 20 millimeters.
Timeline
1979: Stones around migrated clips were first recognized.
1992: Migration from laparoscopic operations was first reported.
June 2026: The case was published in Frontiers in Medicine.
September 2026: The article regarding this specific patient case was published.
The Big Picture
This case follows the pattern of complications identified since the 1992 first report of clip migration from laparoscopic operations. It highlights the continued clinical challenge of identifying foreign bodies long after their initial surgical use.
Patients who have undergone gallbladder surgery may experience complications ranging from weeks to decades later if internal clips migrate. Anyone experiencing persistent jaundice or abdominal pain should consult a specialist to ensure medical imaging is used effectively for diagnosis.
The takeaway
Patients should remain aware that surgical hardware used in past procedures can lead to long-term health issues even after full recovery. Consulting with a physician about unusual, recurring symptoms is a critical step for anyone with a history of laparoscopic surgery.
Further reading
Find more insights on post-surgical recovery and patient safety in the Men’s Health section.
