What is ERCP stent placement?

ERCP stent placement refers to the insertion of a small tube called a stent into the bile ducts during an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) procedure. It is done to help drain bile and treat obstructions in the biliary system. Some key points about ERCP stent placement:

- Purpose: To keep ducts open when narrowed or blocked by gallstones, tumors, scarring, or compression from outside structures. This helps relieve jaundice, infection, abdominal pain, and other symptoms.

- Approach: A flexible endoscope is passed through the mouth into the small intestine. A stent is then placed through the endoscope using X-ray guidance.

- Location: Usually inserted into the common bile duct. Stents may also be placed in the pancreatic duct during ERCP.

- Types: Typically plastic or metal. May be straight, curved, or tapered. Temporary or permanent placement.

- Duration: Plastic stents may need to be replaced every 3-6 months. Covered metal stents may last up to 1-2 years. 

- Removal: Plastic and metal stents usually require a follow-up ERCP for removal once drainage is no longer needed. Biodegradable stents dissolve over time.

- Risks: Displacement, clogging, infection, gallbladder inflammation, pancreatitis, perforation. Patients need monitoring after the procedure. 

So in summary, ERCP stent placement is an endoscopic procedure using x-ray guidance to insert a small drainage tube into the bile ducts to maintain flow and drainage. This provides non-surgical relief of biliary obstructions.