Metal stent
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I just wanted to mention that I have a metal stent and it worked great for me for about 9 months before it clogged up. Healthy tissues as well as cancer tissues can ingrow through the mesh. In my case, there were able to clean out the metal stents well but decided to put plastic within the metal to keep this from reoccuring and I’ll have plastic stent changes every few months to prevent any problems.
There are several things that can be done if the metal stents become a problem. One of the most recent treatment ideas for this if there happens to be difficulty with the metal stents is photodynamic therapy to kill the tissue ingrowth to the tissues. But – the normal course of the metal stents is usually not too invasive and is normally well controlled with maintenance ERCP’s.
Overall, I strongly believe in the metallic stents providing long lasting and safe relief from Jaundice symptoms.
Rick
Hello mnm……I would see no problem with a metal stent other than it is not possible to be removed if a resection is contemplated. Metal does not clog as easily as plastic does. It can be cleaned out or, as you have mentioned sometimes plastic is inserted within the metal stent. I have been told that metal easily can last for up to 9 months. External stents are more complex to maintain and are not a favorite, but they serve a purpose if all other fails. I hope this helped.
Best wishes,
MarionAlso, what about externally draining the bile? I saw something about that on here. Maybe he could just do that once a week or something? Does anyone know about that?
Hi everyone,
I am nervous right now and I know I can do a search but since I’m on my iPhone I was hoping some people could give answer my questions real quick.
My dad has Nonresectable cc stage 4. He is responding really well to the chemotherapy. His tumor marker went from 40,000 to 2,000. He has been having plastic stent replacements since October 09. He feels great since he started the chemotherapy. Last stent replacement a week ago, his gastroenterologist said he had a difficult time replacing the stent because the bile duct was more constricted and that next time he would have to do a metal stent. I am really worried about this because from what I know, metal stents cannot ever be replaced and when they get dirty (clogged) the only way to clear it is to put a plastic stent inside the metal stent. And sometimes they can’t do that because it’s to constricted.
So my question is:
If he gets the metal stent, what if it gets clogged and too restricted for the plastic stent to be put in there, is that the end for him? Is there any other solutions if that happens?Does this metal stent take out the possibility of beating this cancer? He’s doing so well on the chemotherapy that I am still hoping for a miracle.
What other options does he have, if any?
Also, why can’t they replace a metal stent??
This is so scary. I would hate for a metal stent to take his life, especially since chemotherapy seems to be working.
Please help me!
Thanks so much!
Marianne
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