Views: 2 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2023-07-18 Origin: Site
Here is a brief overview of how intestinal stents are placed:
1.The procedure is done endoscopically, meaning a flexible tube with a camera called an endoscope is used. The patient is sedated for the procedure.
2. The endoscope is inserted through the mouth, down the esophagus and stomach, and into the small intestine. The doctor guides it to the blocked area of the intestine.
3. Through the endoscope, the doctor passes a wire guide through the narrowing/obstruction. This acts as a guide for the stent.
4. Next, the stent, which is compressed on a delivery catheter, is threaded over the wire and positioned correctly in the narrowed segment. The stent is usually made of metal mesh.
5. When positioned correctly, the stent is deployed by removing the outer sheath of the delivery catheter. This allows the stent to expand and widen the narrowed intestine segment.
6. Using X-ray guidance, the doctor ensures the stent has fully expanded and is in the correct position before removing the endoscope and wire guide.
7. Over the next few days, the intestine will adapt to the stent, and it will become embedded in the intestinal wall to keep the intestine open.
8. Patients typically recover quickly after the procedure. They are monitored for complications like migration or obstruction of the stent. The stent may remain permanently or be removed at a later date.
So in summary, the placement is an endoscopic procedure to thread and expand the stent across an intestinal narrowing or blockage. This provides structural support to keep the intestine open.