A pancreatic stent is a small tube which is inserted into the pancreatic duct for the purpose of drainage. There are a number of reasons why a stent may be recommended and it can be placed by a surgeon or an endoscopic specialist. Patients may have a choice between a temporary plastic stent and a permanent metal one and it is advisable to discuss all options along with their risks and benefits before deciding on which option would be most suitable.

One reason to place a pancreatic stent is to remove an obstruction. Stenting can keep the pancreatic duct open to express stones, growths, and other obstructions which may be present. Surgeons can also enter the pancreas through a stent to perform a procedure. Stents may be inserted in other cases to ensure that bile can drain freely from the pancreas. A common reason to need a pancreatic stent for drainage is pancreatic cancer, which can block the bile duct and cause bile to build up. This leads to jaundice and can cause pain and discomfort for the patient.

Pancreatic duct stenting can also be used for patients with pancreatic divisum. In people with this congenital condition, the pancreatic ducts fail to fuse during development into a common duct. The stent can be used for drainage. Likewise, stenting may also be used in the treatment of pancreatic fistulas, in which an opening is formed where one should not be. The pancreatic stent can bypass the fistula to allow the pancreas to drain safely.

Insertion of a pancreatic stent can be performed endoscopically. In the procedure, the patient may be sedated and given local anesthetic, or the patient may be given a regional or general anesthetic. The surgeon can make small incisions to insert an endoscope to visualize the pancreas, or can advance the endoscope through the digestive tract via the mouth, along with necessary tools, including the stent. The stent is carefully placed and checked and then the incision is closed or the endoscope removed.

When a surgeon recommends stenting, patients should ask why the procedure is being recommended and what the planned outcome of the procedure is. It can also be advisable to ask about how long the stent needs to remain in place, what the risks of infection and other complications are, and how the stent will be inserted, as there are various approaches to stenting. There may be situations in which a patient is not a good candidate for surgery or stenting, and patients should make sure that their doctors are familiar with their complete medical histories so that any risk factors can be identified.