Bile duct stenting procedure

Biliary stent placement first requires delivery to the duodenum via a PTCD drainage tube through the oropharynx, esophagus, and stomach. Intubation is performed through the large duodenal papilla, followed by the application of contrast to further understand the nature, location, and extent of the lesion. And in patients with high suspicion of malignancy, further tissue biopsy can be performed. A guidewire is selected through the stenotic segment into the bile duct to be drained, then a dilator is inserted through the guidewire to dilate the stenosis, and finally a delivery device with a stent is sent down the guidewire into the bile duct, and the stent is slowly released when the site of obstruction is reached. The position of the stent can also be reconfirmed by drainage ductography. It should be noted that the distal end of the stent does not easily exceed the abdominal sphincter in the case of lower bile duct obstruction. In cases where one stent cannot completely cover the stenotic segment, two stents can be placed, but with a small overlap. For hilar obstruction, if the right and left hepatic ducts are involved, separate stenting of the right and left hepatic ducts is also required.