What symptoms indicate problems with a biliary stent?

If a biliary stent is causing problems, you may experience symptoms that indicate it needs attention. Here are key signs to watch out for:

1. Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)

• Indicates blockage or infection in the bile ducts, preventing bile from draining properly.

2. Abdominal pain or discomfort

• Pain, especially in the upper abdomen or around the right side, can occur if the stent is dislodged, clogged, or causing irritation.

3. Fever and chills

• This could be a sign of infection (cholangitis), which is a common complication when bile can't drain properly.

4. Nausea or vomiting

• If bile flow is obstructed, you might feel nauseous or have trouble digesting food, especially fatty meals.

5. Dark urine or pale stools

• These are signs of impaired bile flow, where bile pigments aren't being processed normally.

6. Itchy skin (pruritus)

• Caused by the build-up of bile salts in the bloodstream due to blocked bile ducts.

7. Changes in bile drainage

• If you're being monitored for bile drainage via a drain or catheter, unusual drainage color or volume might indicate blockage or stent issues.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to contact your healthcare provider right away. A migrated or blocked stent could cause serious complications, but doctors can usually fix the issue with an ERCP procedure or other interventions.

Would you like to know more about how doctors monitor stents over time?