Views: 2 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2025-02-24 Origin: Site
Self-expanding biliary stents are used in several conditions that involve obstruction or narrowing of the bile ducts, particularly when surgery isn't an option or as a palliative treatment. Some of the main conditions that may require the use of a self-expanding biliary stent include:
Description: Cholangiocarcinoma is a malignant tumor that develops in the bile ducts. It can cause bile duct obstruction, leading to jaundice and other symptoms.
Stent Use: A self-expanding stent is often used to bypass the obstruction and restore bile flow, helping to manage symptoms like jaundice and improve quality of life.
Description: Pancreatic cancer can invade or compress the bile duct, causing biliary obstruction.
Stent Use: Stents are inserted to relieve the blockage, alleviate jaundice, and provide palliative care for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer.
Description: Large gallstones or multiple small stones can obstruct the bile ducts, leading to symptoms like pain, jaundice, and infections (like cholangitis).
Stent Use: A stent may be placed after stone removal to keep the bile duct open and ensure normal bile flow, especially if the duct is damaged or narrowed by the stones.
Description: PSC is a chronic, progressive disease that causes inflammation and scarring of the bile ducts, leading to their narrowing and eventual blockage.
Stent Use: Self-expanding stents can be used to relieve obstructions caused by bile duct strictures, helping to manage symptoms and improve bile flow.
Description: Chronic inflammation of the pancreas can lead to the formation of scar tissue and strictures in the bile duct, causing obstruction.
Stent Use: A biliary stent can help relieve the obstruction and restore bile flow, reducing complications like jaundice.
Description: Bile duct strictures may occur after surgery, radiation therapy, or due to other conditions that cause scarring and narrowing of the duct.
Stent Use: Self-expanding stents are used to hold the bile duct open, allowing bile to flow freely and preventing further damage or infection.
Description: After surgery involving the gallbladder or bile ducts (such as a cholecystectomy or liver transplant), complications like bile duct leaks or strictures can occur, leading to obstruction.
Stent Use: A biliary stent can be placed to ensure bile drainage while the duct heals or to manage leaks.
Description: Cholangitis is an infection of the bile ducts, often caused by a blockage (from gallstones or tumors), which can lead to life-threatening complications.
Stent Use: A self-expanding stent can help clear the obstruction, restore bile flow, and reduce the risk of infection.
Description: After a liver transplant, some patients may develop strictures or obstructions in the bile ducts.
Stent Use: Stents may be used to maintain bile duct patency and prevent complications like bile leakage or duct obstruction, especially in the early stages after surgery.
Description: Non-cancerous causes such as strictures, fibrosis, or inflammation can lead to bile duct narrowing and obstruction.
Stent Use: A self-expanding stent can be used to treat these benign obstructions and help maintain bile flow.
In summary, self-expanding biliary stents are commonly used to relieve biliary obstructions due to both malignant and benign causes, offering a minimally invasive solution to manage symptoms and improve patients’ quality of life.
