Re: pros and cons of a stent

[Guest guest]

Mine was in for two weeks (that was 3 years ago - haven't been back since).

Stenting is a good thing - opens you up for a while, and there's some

research that indicates it does help. Some people have them in for much

longer than others and some have problems with them. They do have a

tendency to get clogged up after a while.

My experience has been more on the " smooth sailing for a while " side.

Arne

52 - UC 9/77 - PSC 4/00

Alive and (mostly) well in Minnesota

-----Original Message-----

From: rcdog2003

I know that in the past I have read about stents, but I just can't remember

all of the info. Could you all please let me know that pros and cons of

stents. My husband had a DS and he went in for his second ERCP in 3 weeks

and as soon as the DR told me that they had to stent it, I knew that Steve

would think that this was a bad day. I would also like to know what having

a stent now means...is it going to be a much bumpier road or are we in for

" smooth " sailing for awhile???

Thanks for the help!

Diane

[Guest guest]

Diane,

I have been stented on several occasions. As Arne said, this can be

a relief for ongoing symptoms such as jaundice or cholangitis since

the flow of bile is improved. I don't think there is any reason to

view it as a bad thing.

Stents are not used by all Doctors. Some are more willing to use

them than others. Studies are inclusive as to their benefit. Some

studies have shown promise in thier use being effective at a minimum

relieving symptoms and possibly improving time to transplant while

others have seen no such benefit. Due to these mixed results their

use varies from doctor to doctor.

The pros of stents are the relief of strictures in the ducts allowing

better bile flow relieving the symptoms I mentioned above such as

jaundice, cholangitis, and perhaps some pain. Due to the better flow

I would think you would be less likely to get cholangitis. The only

cons I can think of are the need for repeat ERCP's to remove or

replace the stent. With any ERCP there are risks of pancreatitis and

the normal complication that can accompany any medical procedure.

Depending on the size of stent that was placed in your husband, he

may need it to be replaced or removed anywhere from a few weeks to a

few months. My research and my doctor seem to support a maximum time

between stent changes as 3 months. If the stent becomes clogged,

which is not uncommon, you will begin to see symptoms reappear. I

always had recurrance of fevers and chills when mine became clogged.

After my first set of stents I was able to go about 10 months without

any further intervention. After my last round of stents I am at 10

months and counting and feeling pretty good.

One last comment. When I was first diagnosed my doctor said it was

not unusual to have a rough time at first but after a year or so

after using stent thearapy he sees his patients stabilize and have an

easier time after that. I must say that has been my experience.

Good luck and hope this answers your questions.

in Seattle

[Guest guest]

Diane,

I've only been stented on one occasion, and the stent placement only

lasted for a month before it became clogged. I think that the risks

and benefits vary widely from person to person. I'm wondering if your

husband has had significant attacks of bacterial cholangitis prior to

being stented? That is the reason why the doctors are unwilling to

stent me again.

Stents bring bacteria into the bile ducts (as does any ERCP), but

with the stent, it can stay there. Within a week of being stented, a

CT scan showed a huge mass in my liver. This mass resolved itself

once the stent was removed. The conclusion of the doctors was that

the mass wasn't any form of cancer, but a large infection within my

liver. As a result, my BC attacks grew much worse, even after my

stent was removed. I have been placed on long-term antibiotic therapy

and have been told that this will have to be continued until

transplant.

I will say this for that stenting - after the stent was removed,

except for the cholangitis attacks, my other symptoms did improve for

several months. Since the stent has already been placed, I'd say

watch your husband for signs of infection, but otherwise, hope for

the best. Evidently, it has produced additional benefits in others

who have answered your query. All the Best, Deb in VA

> I know that in the past I have read about stents, but I just can't

> remember all of the info. Could you all please let me know that

pros

> and cons of stents.

[Guest guest]

Arne, does all people that have PSC will develop DS?

Thanks, Viv

RE: pros and cons of a stent

Mine was in for two weeks (that was 3 years ago - haven't been back since).Stenting is a good thing - opens you up for a while, and there's someresearch that indicates it does help. Some people have them in for muchlonger than others and some have problems with them. They do have atendency to get clogged up after a while.My experience has been more on the "smooth sailing for a while" side.Arne52 - UC 9/77 - PSC 4/00Alive and (mostly) well in Minnesota -----Original Message-----From: rcdog2003 I know that in the past I have read about stents, but I just can't rememberall of the info. Could you all please let me know that pros and cons ofstents. My husband had a DS and he went in for his second ERCP in 3 weeksand as soon as the DR told me that they had to stent it, I knew that Stevewould think that this was a bad day. I would also like to know what havinga stent now means...is it going to be a much bumpier road or are we in for"smooth" sailing for awhile??? Thanks for the help!Diane