Bile Duct Stent: What It Is and When You Might Need One

If you’re experiencing jaundice, abdominal pain, or unexplained digestive issues, your doctor may mention something called a bile duct stent. It’s a small device with a big purpose: keeping bile flowing through your liver and into your digestive tract.

In this article, you’ll learn what bile duct stents do, when they’re used, how they’re placed, and what recovery and long-term care look like.

What is a bile duct stent?

A bile duct stent is a thin, hollow tube placed inside the bile ducts to keep them open. These ducts are part of your digestive system and help carry bile—a fluid made by your liver—to your small intestine to break down fats.

When a bile duct becomes narrowed or blocked, bile backs up in the liver and bloodstream, leading to symptoms like:

• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)

• Itchy skin

• Dark urine

• Pale stools

• Nausea or vomiting

• Abdominal pain

A stent relieves this blockage and helps bile flow normally again.

Learn more about what causes liver pain and how it can relate to bile flow issues.

What causes bile duct blockages?

Bile duct obstruction can occur for several reasons. The most common causes include:

• Gallstones stuck in the bile duct

• Tumors or cancers (pancreatic, bile duct, liver)

• Scar tissue (strictures) from previous surgery or inflammation

• Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC)

• Pancreatitis

Some blockages are temporary. Others are more serious and may require long-term treatment, including repeated stent procedures. Learn about liver function test pricing and accessibility to monitor ongoing health.

When is a bile duct stent needed?

Your doctor may recommend a stent if you have:

• Obstructive jaundice due to blocked bile flow

• Pain or infection caused by bile buildup (cholangitis)

• A tumor pressing on the bile duct

• Preparation for surgery (like pancreatic cancer removal)

• Post-surgical complications causing bile leaks

Stents may be temporary (removed after a few weeks) or permanent (especially in cancer cases where surgery isn’t possible).

Explore liver cancer stages for insight into how bile duct stents are part of cancer treatment planning.

How is a bile duct stent placed?

Most bile duct stents are placed using a procedure called ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography). This is done under sedation or general anesthesia.

During ERCP:

• A flexible tube (endoscope) is passed through your mouth into your stomach and small intestine.

• Contrast dye is injected to highlight the bile ducts on X-ray.

• If a blockage is found, a stent is inserted into the duct to open it up.

The procedure usually takes 30–90 minutes. You can often go home the same day, though some people may stay overnight.

ERCP is often used during diagnosis. If tumors are suspected, an AFP test may help determine cancer presence.

What types of bile duct stents are there?

There are two main types of stents:

1. Plastic stents

• Used for temporary relief (weeks to months)

• Often used for benign (non-cancerous) conditions

• May need replacement every 3–6 months

2. Metal stents

• Expandable and longer-lasting

• Often used for cancer-related blockages

• Typically not removed

Your doctor will choose the type based on your condition, life expectancy, and treatment plan.

What should you expect during recovery?

After stent placement, most people recover quickly. You may experience:

• Sore throat (from the endoscope)
  

• Mild bloating or cramping
  

• Temporary changes in bowel movements
  

Your doctor will monitor you for signs of infection or complications. Antibiotics may be given during or after the procedure, especially if there’s a risk of infection.

Most people can return to normal activities within 24–48 hours.

What symptoms should you watch for?

Even though stents are helpful, complications can happen. Contact your healthcare provider if you notice:

• Fever or chills (possible infection)

• New or worsening abdominal pain

• Nausea or vomiting

• Jaundice returning after placement

• Unusual stool color or dark urine again

These symptoms may mean the stent is blocked, moved, or needs replacement.

Can bile duct stents become blocked?

Yes. Over time, stents can become blocked by:

• Sludge or bile sediment

• Tumor growth pressing against the stent

• Bacterial biofilm

• Migration (stent moving out of place)

Blocked stents can often be cleared or replaced with a repeat ERCP. Infections due to blocked stents are serious and need quick treatment.

Explore how metastatic liver cancer symptoms can interfere with stent function and what warning signs to monitor.

How long do bile duct stents last?

The lifespan of your bile stent depends on the material and reason for placement:

• Plastic stents: Usually last 3–4 months before needing removal or replacement.

• Metal stents: May last 6–12 months or longer, often used in cancer care.

Your doctor will schedule follow-up imaging or repeat ERCPs to monitor stent function.

What lifestyle tips can help after stent placement?

You don’t usually need major lifestyle changes, but a few tips can support recovery:

• Eat a balanced, low-fat diet to reduce bile stress

• Avoid alcohol, especially if you have liver conditions

• Stay hydrated to help flush your system

• Keep follow-up appointments to check stent function

• Report any signs of infection or pain right away

Ask your care team if you need specific food restrictions or medications during recovery.

Can bile duct stents be removed?

Yes—plastic stents are usually removed or replaced after a few months. If the original problem has resolved (like a gallstone passing), the stent may not be needed again.

Metal stents are typically permanent, especially if placed due to tumors. However, in rare cases, some can be removed using special techniques.

What are the risks of bile duct stenting?

While the procedure is generally safe, potential risks include:

• Infection (cholangitis)

• Bleeding or perforation of the duct

• Stent migration or blockage

• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)

• Sedation-related issues

Your doctor will discuss these with you before the procedure and take steps to minimize risks.

What’s the takeaway?

A bile duct stent is a small device that can provide big relief—especially if you're dealing with bile flow issues from gallstones, cancer, or scarring. Most people tolerate the procedure well and feel better within a few days.

With regular monitoring and the right care, stents can significantly improve comfort, digestion, and quality of life.

If you’ve been told you need a stent—or if you’re recovering from placement—talk with your healthcare provider about what to expect and how to monitor for problems.

Support your liver and digestive health with Ribbon Checkup

Looking to track your liver function and digestive wellness from home? Ribbon Checkup offers easy-to-use at-home test kits that help you stay ahead of symptoms and make informed decisions.

Explore Ribbon Checkup’s at-home liver health test kits 

Related Resources

• Early Detection of Liver Disease
  Learn the early signs of liver dysfunction and how at-home testing can support timely diagnosis and intervention.
  

• What Cancers Cause Elevated Liver Enzymes?
  Understand how certain cancers, including bile duct and liver cancer, can affect your liver enzyme levels.
  

• Home Liver Test: Guide to At-Home Liver Function Kits
  Track your liver health conveniently with easy-to-use test kits designed for accurate at-home monitoring.
  

References

References

Akazawa, Y., Masahiro Ohtani, Takuto Nosaka, Saito, Y., Takahashi, K., Naito, T., … Nakamoto, Y. (2018). Long‐term prognosis after biliary stenting for common bile duct stones in high‐risk elderly patients. Journal of Digestive Diseases, 19(10), 626–634. https://doi.org/10.1111/1751-2980.12656 

and, D. (2025, July 7). Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Retrieved July 7, 2025, from National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diagnostic-tests/endoscopic-retrograde-cholangiopancreatography 

Iftikhar, N. (2019, February 21). What Is Cholangitis? Retrieved July 7, 2025, from Healthline website: https://www.healthline.com/health/cholangitis 

Mangiavillano, B. (2015). Outcome of stenting in biliary and pancreatic benign and malignant diseases: A comprehensive review. World Journal of Gastroenterology, 21(30), 9038. https://doi.org/10.3748/wjg.v21.i30.9038 

Meseeha, M., & Attia, M. (2025, April 3). Biliary Stenting. Retrieved July 7, 2025, from Nih.gov website: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482302/ 

Sissons, B. (2023, June 9). What to know about a biliary stent for those with liver cancer. Retrieved July 7, 2025, from Medicalnewstoday.com website: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/liver-cancer-stent