How Choledocholithiasis Is Treated

Biliary Stenting

A biliary stent refers to a specially designed flexible tube used to keep an entirely blocked or partially blocked duct open. When gallstones block one of the ducts, it prevents the free flow of bile juices into the small intestines to aid in digestion. This may cause backing up of the bile in the liver, which in turn leads to symptoms such as nausea, abdominal pain, and jaundice.

The blockage in the ducts can be corrected by inserting a biliary stent. Once it is in place, the biliary stent helps expand and open the duct so the fluids can move freely to the intestines. During the biliary stenting procedure, the physician will insert an endoscope with a guidewire through the mouth into the esophagus. The guidewire carries the stent used to open the blocked duct.

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