|
Endoscopic gallbladder stenting
Patients who cannot have surgery immediately may undergo endoscopic gallbladder stenting. This procedure uses endoscopy to insert a "stent," or a slender, hollow tube, from the gallbladder into the duodenum so bile can flow freely, relieving symptoms of gallstone disease. This procedure is used for high-risk patients and is less invasive than cholescystectomy. If new stones form, the stent acts as another track for the bile to flow, bypassing the blockage caused by the stones. Because there is a risk of blockage inside the stent itself with long-term use, stents are a short-term solution.
|
