What Is A Biliary Metal Stent Used For?

A biliary metal stent is a medical device used in the treatment of various conditions affecting the biliary system, which includes the bile ducts and the gallbladder. The biliary system plays a crucial role in the digestive process by transporting bile from the liver to the small intestine, where it helps in the digestion of fats.

Biliary metal stents are typically used to address obstructions or blockages in the bile ducts. These blockages can occur due to several reasons, including:

1. Cancer: Biliary metal stents are often used in the management of malignant (cancerous) tumors that affect the bile ducts, liver, or pancreas. The stent helps to keep the bile duct open, allowing the flow of bile and relieving symptoms such as jaundice.

2. Benign strictures: Non-cancerous strictures or narrowings of the bile ducts can also be a reason for using biliary stents. These strictures may be caused by inflammation, scarring, or other conditions that affect the biliary system.

3. Gallbladder issues: In some cases, biliary stents may be used to address problems related to the gallbladder, such as gallstones or inflammation.

The biliary metal stent is a tubular structure typically made of metal alloys, such as stainless steel or nitinol. It is placed in the affected bile duct during a procedure called endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) or through percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTC). The stent helps to maintain the patency of the bile duct and ensures the proper flow of bile, which can relieve symptoms like jaundice, abdominal pain, and nausea.

It's important to note that the use of biliary metal stents is a medical procedure that should be performed by trained healthcare professionals, and the decision to use a stent is based on the individual patient's condition and the underlying cause of the biliary obstruction.