What is the primary purpose of biliary stents?

The primary purpose of biliary stents is to maintain the patency of the bile duct. Biliary stents are specifically designed to be placed within the bile duct to prevent obstruction due to conditions such as tumors, strictures, or inflammation. By keeping the bile duct open, these stents facilitate the proper flow of bile from the liver to the intestine.

When there is a blockage, bile can accumulate in the liver, leading to jaundice and other complications. The insertion of a biliary stent allows for the continued drainage of bile, alleviating pressure, reducing the risk of infection, and improving the patient's overall condition.

Understanding the role of biliary stents clarifies their importance in managing biliary obstructions, and this distinguishes them from interventions for other systems, such as kidney stones or urine drainage, which utilize different medical devices tailored for those specific purposes.