Biliary Stenting

Biliary stenting is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat blockages or narrowing in the bile ducts, which can occur due to conditions like cancer, gallstones, or strictures. A small tube (stent) is placed inside the bile duct to keep it open, allowing bile to flow properly from the liver to the intestines.

When Do I Need the procedure

Biliary stenting is typically needed when there is a blockage or narrowing in the bile ducts that prevents bile from flowing properly. Commonly used for conditions like pancreatic cancer, primary sclerosing cholangitis, or bile duct injuries. Here are common situations where biliary stenting is required:

1. Malignant Obstruction: Often used to relieve blockages caused by cancers, such as pancreaticor bile duct cancer.
2. Benign Strictures: Treats non-cancerous narrowing of the bile ducts, which can occur due to chronic pancreatitis or gallstones.
3. Gallstones: Helps manage complications from gallstones that obstruct the bile duct.
4. Post-Surgical Complications: Addresses bile leaks or strictures that may occur after surgery.
5. Infections: Used to drain bile in cases of cholangitis (infection of the bile ducts).

The procedure is minimally invasive and helps restore normal bile flow, alleviating symptoms like jaundice, abdominal pain, and nausea.

What Do I Expect

During biliary stenting, you can expect the following steps:

Preparation

• You may need to fast for several hours before the procedure.
• Your doctor might give you antibiotics to prevent infection.
• Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a scope procedure to access the bile duct from the second part of the duodenum.
• Contrast dye is injected to help visualize the blockage.
• A stent (usually plastic) is placed to keep the bile duct open. This helps restore bile flow and prevent complications like jaundice or infection.
• The procedure typically takes 30–60 minutes.

Post-Procedure

• You’ll be monitored for a few hours to ensure there are no complications.
• Mild discomfort or a sore throat is common.
• You may need to stay in the hospital overnight, depending on your condition.

After the Procedure

After biliary stenting, proper aftercare is essential for a smooth recovery. Here are some general guidelines:

1. Rest & Monitoring: You usually need to stay in the hospital for a day for observation
2. Pain Management: Mild discomfort is common.
3. Diet & Hydration: Follow your doctor’s dietary recommendations. Drink plenty of fluids unless advised otherwise.

Safety of the Procedure

Biliary stenting is generally considered a safe and effective procedure for treating bile duct obstructions. It is minimally invasive and helps restore normal bile flow, reducing symptoms like jaundice and abdominal pain.

Potential Risks

• While complications are rare, they can include:
• Infection: A rare possibility, but antibiotics may be given to prevent it.
• Stent Blockage: Over time, the stent may become clogged and require replacement.
• Pancreatitis: In rare cases, irritation of the pancreas can occur.

Benefits

• Quick Recovery: Most patients resume normal activities within a few days.
• Minimally Invasive: No major surgery is required.
• Effective Relief: Helps improve bile drainage and reduces symptoms.

Cost of the Procedure

• Biliary stenting is a hospital procedure;it is covered under most hospitalization plans.
• The procedure is also Medisave deductible. Most of the companies’ health benefits and private health insurances cover the cost of the procedure, which may extend to the private hospitals.
• The fee benchmarks on the procedure done in different hospitals can be found in the website of Ministry of Health Singapore.
• Before the endoscopic procedure, a detailed financial counselling will be done to help the patients understand the cost breakdown in the preferred hospital.
• Patients should also check with their insurance provider on the updated policy regulations before the procedure.