How Long Can You Leave a Biliary Stent In?

What is a biliary stent?

A biliary stent is a tube surgically placed to keep the bile duct open.

A biliary stent is a plastic or metal tube inserted into a bile duct. Biliary stenting is a procedure that opens the obstructed bile duct. Obstructed bile duct leads to the accumulation of bile in the liver resulting in yellowing of the skin (jaundice), dark urine, light stools, itching, nausea and poor appetite.

The following may cause bile duct obstruction:

Pancreatic cancer
Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
Gallstones
Radiation therapy
Injury to abdomen
Cholangitis (inflammation of the bile ducts)

When should a biliary stent be avoided?

Insertion of a biliary stent should be avoided in patients with the following conditions:

Bleeding disorder
Ascites (accumulation of fluid in the liver)
Uncooperative patients
Patients intolerant to pain

How is a biliary stent placed?

Before the procedure

Refrain from eating or drinking for at least six hours before the surgery to ensure that the stomach and the intestine remain devoid of food.
Inform the physician about your medical and medication history, especially an allergy to iodine.
Stop taking the following medicines before the surgery:
- Coumadin (warfarin)
- Aspirin
- Clopidogrel
- Arthritis medications
Antibiotics will be given before the surgery and continued afterward for several days.

During the procedure

The stent might be placed a few days after the biliary drainage procedure.
Stent placement can be achieved simultaneously with an uncomplicated percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography surgery.
An introducer sheath or a short plastic tube carrying the stent delivery system is passed into the biliary system using a stiff wire.
The stent delivery system is then passed along the wire, and the stent is placed.
Balloon dilation helps to achieve sufficient expansion.

After the procedure

After the procedure, you will be monitored for signs of complications.
You need to lie on your right side for at least six hours to reduce the risk of bleeding.
To ensure the proper functioning of the stent, you will be frequently assessed for changes in stool or urine color, jaundice, itching and abnormal liver functions, which indicates a narrowing of the bile duct.