Endoluminal Stenting Offered at Mercy in Baltimore, Maryland

Endoluminal stenting, a technique used to manage gastrointestinal (GI) blockages, is offered at The Institute for Digestive Health and Liver Disease at Mercy. The Institute is dedicated to providing patients with the best treatment options available for GI and liver diseases.

What is Endoluminal Stenting?

Endoluminal stenting is an endoscopic procedure that involves the placement of a thin tube (plastic or metal stent) to manage a blockage in the GI tract. Most commonly, endoluminal stents are placed in the bile duct, esophagus, colon and small bowel. Endoluminal stent placement may be used for non-cancerous or cancerous blockages. In addition to endoluminal stenting, endoscopic stent procedures can be used to relieve blockages in the gallbladder and pancreatic duct.

How is Endoluminal Stenting performed?

Endoluminal stenting is performed using an endoscope, which consists of a narrow tube with a light, camera and other instruments. For an endoluminal stent being placed in the esophagus, bile duct or pancreas, the endoscope is placed down the throat. For an endoluminal stent in the colon or bowel, the endoscope is placed through the anus. Fluoroscopy, which is a live imaging technology, may also be used to further guide endoscopic stent placement.

After the endoscope is inserted, a small guide wire is inserted through the blocked area and then the stent is placed. Sometimes, the blocked area is dilated before stent placement.

When is Endoluminal Stenting recommended?

Endoluminal stenting is recommended for patients with blockages in the bile duct, esophagus, small intestine or colon. Before recommending a patient for an endoluminal stent placement, physicians consider the patient’s medical history as well as the location and severity of the blockage. A stent is placed only when surgical treatment is not feasible or not recommended for safety reasons.