Enteric Stenting
Definition
Enteric stenting is used to open up different regions of the GI tract that have been compressed or obstructed. This is an unfortunate complication of many cancers of the GI tract, including the esophagus, stomach, bile duct, pancreas and colon. When a tumor obstructs the lumen of the GI tract, food, air and liquid cannot pass. This results in abdominal pain, distension, nausea, vomiting and in severe cases, perforation.
How will a stent help me?
An enteric stent is a metal stent that is placed through the narrowing of obstruction of the GI lumen. The stent slowly expands after it is placed, gently opening the GI tract and preventing the tumor from compressing the lumen any further.
What is the stent made of?
An enteric stent is made of a soft, flexible metal that is designed similar to a chain link fence.
Procedure
An enteric stent is placed through an endoscope with help from special X-ray machines. The endoscope is inserted into the body through the mouth or the rectum and advanced to where the obstruction is located. Once there, a wire is advanced through the area of obstruction under X-ray guidance. A special dye is injected through the area and another X-ray taken. When it is confirmed that the dye has made it across the narrowing or obstruction, the metal stent is deployed by advancing it over the wire and across the obstruction. The stent is pushed out of the scope and its location is confirmed by both X-ray and direct visualization.
Preparation
Instructions are different depending on where the obstruction is. If it is in the upper GI tract, you should eat nothing by mouth for 24 hours before the procedure. If it is in your colon, then an enema or suppository will needed 30 to 60 minutes before your procedure to help clean out as much stool as possible.
Risks
Risks of enteric stenting include bleeding, infection, side effects of the medications used to put you to sleep, or perforation. Perforation occurs when the lining of the GI tract tears during placement of the stent, or if the stent migrates (slips) from where it was placed. This is a very rare occurrence but can be serious if it occurs. In some cases, the stent can cause some discomfort for 1-3 days as it expands and opens up the obstruction.
Post Procedure
What can I eat after my stent insertion?
You will be given instructions on a proper diet to eat after your stenting placement.