Gastroenterology: ERCP of Obstruction of Bile Duct Obstruction with Stent Implantation

Stent installation upon endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is one of the highly effective ways to restore the bile duct patency upon its obstruction (occlusion). The effectiveness indicator of this intervention in major European clinics reaches 92 to 95%.

Preliminary Examination

Before stenting, the patient undergoes general clinical and special examination, usually including:

• case history collection and examination;
• complete blood count and urinalysis;
• biochemical blood analysis;
• ultrasound of the gallbladder, liver and other abdominal organs;
• gastroduodenoscopy with biopsy.

Surgery

Stent in installed into the bile duct via a minimally invasive intervention, but the procedure is always done under anesthesia. All manipulations are performed through an endoscope equipped with specialized tools. The endoscope is delivered to its destination point through esophagus.

Before stenting, the biliary tract is filled with contrast for X-ray examination, which is required to clarify the location and extent of occlusion. A stent is a cylindrical structure placed into a narrowed duct and restoring its patency.

As a rule, the patient stays at the clinic full time for 9 days, where he enjoys the nursing services and medical supervision. To monitor the treatment effectiveness, a repeated gastroscopy is carried out. According to the indications, the patient is prescribed palliative care. The cost of essential drugs depends on the chosen method of intervention and clinics type.

After treatment, the patient is discharged with recommendations for diet and further outpatient treatment.