How does an intestinal stent relieve bowel obstruction?

An intestinal stent relieves bowel obstruction by providing a physical passageway that allows food, liquids, and gas to pass through the blocked portion of the intestine. Here's how it works:

1. **Placement**: The stent, typically made of metal mesh, is inserted into the blocked area of the intestine using an endoscope (a flexible tube with a camera) or during surgery. It is usually expanded once in place to widen the narrowed or blocked segment.

2. **Widening the Blocked Area**: Once expanded, the stent pushes against the walls of the intestine, opening up the passage that was previously narrowed due to conditions like tumors, scar tissue (from surgery or inflammation), or other growths.

3. **Restoring Function**: By keeping the intestine open, the stent allows for the normal movement of digestive contents through the bowel. This helps relieve symptoms of bowel obstruction such as abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, and vomiting.

4. **Avoiding Surgery**: In many cases, stents are used as a less invasive alternative to bowel surgery, particularly in patients who are too ill or weak to undergo a major operation.

Intestinal stents are often used in cases of malignancies (such as colon cancer) or non-malignant strictures where relieving the obstruction improves quality of life and restores bowel function.