What is the purpose of a pancreatic stent?

A pancreatic stent is a small, flexible plastic or metal tube that is temporarily placed in the pancreatic duct to keep it open and allow drainage of pancreatic fluids. Some common reasons a pancreatic stent may be used include:

- Pancreatic Duct structures - Scar tissue or sphincter spasms can narrow the pancreatic duct. A stent keeps the duct open to allow pancreatic enzyme drainage.

- Pancreatitis - During an attack of acute pancreatitis, a stent can help drain pancreatic fluids until swelling resolves. This helps prevent further attacks.

- Pancreatic Pseudocysts - A stent creates an outlet for drainage of fluid buildup in pseudocysts that can form after pancreatitis.

- Pancreatic Surgery - Stents are often placed after pancreatic tumor removal or other pancreatic surgeries to help protect healing and prevent duct leaks.

- Pancreatic Sphincterotomy - During this endoscopic procedure to cut the muscle sphincter, a stent prevents the sphincter from closing up again. 

- Prevention of Post-ERCP Pancreatitis - After an ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography) procedure, a temporary pancreatic stent lowers the risk of developing pancreatitis.

- Chronic Pancreatitis - Stents relieve pain from high pancreatic duct pressure caused by blockages from chronic inflammation/calcifications. 

By keeping the pancreatic duct open, stents allow enzymes to properly drain from the pancreas and help prevent further attacks of pancreatitis. They are placed temporarily via endoscopy and removed once duct problems are resolved.