Does the biliary stent need to be removed?

Generally, biliary stents do not need to be removed, but they may need to be removed if the affected area becomes infected or obstructed, or if the condition requires it. Whether or not a biliary stent needs to be removed depends mainly on the patient’s specific condition and local recovery, as well as the material of the stent. In the case of plastic stents, stent replacement is usually required periodically (usually once every six months) in order to prevent infection in the affected area; in the case of metal stents, replacement is usually not required if no obvious symptoms occur in the affected area. If the patient has implanted a stent and then suffers a recurrence of obstruction or symptoms such as stones or infection, the stent should be unblocked, and if the result is poor, the stent needs to be removed and replaced, and a detailed examination and treatment should be carried out. Therefore, after the operation of biliary stent patients, they must pay attention to the adjustment of living habits as well as dietary habits, and avoid strenuous activities. Therefore, patients with biliary stents are advised to visit the hospital for regular checkups and to receive prompt treatment if there is damage to the stent or if they feel unwell.