What is an intestinal stent?

An intestinal stent is a small mesh tube that is inserted into the intestine to keep a blocked or narrowed section open. Some key points about intestinal stents:

- Stents are used to treat blockages or narrowing that can occur due to conditions like cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, intestinal adhesions, etc. This helps restore normal flow through the intestines.

- They are small mesh tubes, usually made of metal or plastic, that expand after insertion to prop open the narrowed section. 

- Intestinal stents can be placed through endoscopic procedures (inserting through the mouth/anus) or surgically. They are often placed temporarily to allow healing before removal.

- Potential complications include migration of the stent, blockage due to food/waste buildup, or intestinal perforation. Stents may need to be surgically removed if complications occur.

- Patients with stents usually need to follow a low-fiber diet to reduce risk of blockage and monitor for symptoms like pain, vomiting, constipation/diarrhea which could indicate a complication.