A biliary stent is a thin, flexible tube inserted into the bile ducts (biliary system).
This stent opens blocked or narrowed bile ducts and diverts bile flow from the liver to the intestine.

In case of obstruction of the bile ducts:

• Yellowing of the skin (jaundice)

• Itching

• Stomach ache

• Darkening of urine color

Symptoms such as these may occur. Inserting a biliary stent helps reduce these complaints and allows the liver to function more comfortably.

2. Why is a Biliary Stent Placed?

Biliary stent placement is performed to relieve obstruction in the bile ducts.

The blockage is usually:

• Gallstone

• Tumor

• Inflammation

• Postoperative stenosis

It occurs due to reasons such as.

The goal is to ensure that bile flows normally through the liver and prevent toxin accumulation in the body.

3. Purposes of Biliary Stent Insertion

A biliary stent is inserted to relieve obstruction in the bile ducts and restore bile flow.
It is usually used for narrowings caused by stones, tumors, or inflammation.

4. How is Biliary Stent Placement Performed?

In biliary obstruction, two methods are generally used:

a. Percutaneous Transhepatic Biliary Catheter Placement (PTC)

• The procedure is performed by an interventional radiologist under local anesthesia and often sedation (light sleep).

• Under ultrasound or fluoroscopy guidance, a thin catheter is inserted through the skin into the upper part of the liver and into the bile duct within the liver.

• In this way, the blocked bile duct is opened and the accumulated bile is removed from the body through a drain.

• The average procedure time is between 30 and 60 minutes .

b. Biliary Stent Placement with ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde CholangioPancreatography)

Biliary stent placement is most often performed using ERCP, performed by a gastroenterologist or interventional radiologist.

Process steps:

1. The patient is placed under sedation (sleep state) before the procedure.

2. The duodenum is entered through the mouth with the help of an endoscope (thin camera tube).

3. Imaging is performed by injecting contrast material into the bile duct.

4. The area of ​​obstruction/stenosis is detected.

5. A metal or plastic stent of appropriate size is placed in the bile duct.

6. Bile flow returns to normal and the liver relaxes.

The procedure time is usually between 30–60 minutes .

5. In Which Diseases Is Biliary Stent (ERCP) Performed?

Biliary stent application is preferred in the following situations:

a. Bile Duct Stones (Cholesterol Stone) and Bile Duct Obstruction

b. Bile Duct Stenosis (Benign or Malignant Lesions)

c. Pancreatic Head Tumors

d. Gallbladder or Liver Tumors

e. Post-operative Bile Leakage or Strictures

f. Biliary Obstruction Developing as a Result of Chronic Pancreatitis

In these diseases, biliary drainage is provided to provide relief to the patient and protect liver functions.

6. In Which Complaints Is Biliary Stent (ERCP) Performed?

Patients usually present with the following complaints:

a. Yellowing of the Skin and Eyes (Jaundice)

b. Itching

c. Dark-Colored Urine, Light-Colored Stool

d. Nausea, Abdominal Pain, Loss of Appetite

e. Fatigue and Weakness

These symptoms indicate that bile flow is impaired and are aimed to be corrected with a biliary stent.

7. What to Do Before Biliary Stent

a. Blood-thinning medications

Medications such as aspirin, warfarin (coumadin), clopidogrel, etc. can be stopped or adjusted according to the doctor's recommendation.

b. Allergy and Chronic Disease Information

Drug allergies, contrast agent allergies or chronic diseases must be reported to the doctor.

c. Fasting Period

It is usually necessary to fast for 6–8 hours before the procedure .

d. Laboratory and Imaging Tests

• Blood tests and liver function tests are performed.

• If necessary, the bile ducts are examined in detail with ultrasound, MRCP or CT.

This preparation ensures that the process is carried out safely and smoothly.

8. What to Do After Biliary Stent

a. Rest

A few hours of rest is recommended after the procedure.

b. Complaint Tracking

If symptoms such as pain, fever, chills, or increased yellowing occur, a doctor must be notified.

c. Nutrition

Plenty of fluid consumption and a light, oil-free diet are recommended.

d. Controls

If the stent will remain in place for a long time, periodic check-ups should not be neglected.

Conditions that may be observed after the procedure:

• Mild sore throat or nausea (due to endoscopy)

• Temporary abdominal pain or gas complaints

• Rarely, fever, infection, or bile leakage

These symptoms are usually short-lived. The patient is usually discharged the same day or the following day.
Doctor follow-ups are important to ensure the stent is functioning properly.

9. Types of Biliary Stents

Biliary stents are divided into two main groups according to their duration of use and material:

a. Plastic Stents

• For short-term use (approximately 3–6 months).

• It is generally preferred for temporary blockages.

b. Metal Stents (Self-Expandable)

• Suitable for long-term or permanent use.

• It is especially preferred in cases of tumors or advanced stenosis.

Both types are chosen depending on the general condition of the patient, the location of the obstruction and the type of disease.

10. How Long Does a Biliary Stent Last?

a. Plastic Stents

It usually needs to be removed or replaced within 3–6 months .

b. Metal Stents

It may remain for longer than 6 months; in some cases, it may be left permanent.

Regular checkups and liver function tests are necessary to ensure the stent is not blocked.
Stents that are not removed or replaced promptly can lead to problems such as infection, jaundice, and abdominal pain.

11. Advantages of Biliary Stents

• It is a non-surgical (minimally invasive) procedure.

• Provides a rapid healing process.

• It reduces complaints such as jaundice and itching in a short time.

• The hospital stay is usually 1 day.

• It can be applied safely to elderly patients and those at high risk of surgery.

12. Disadvantages and Risks of Biliary Stents

As with any medical procedure, biliary stent placement carries some risks:

• Bleeding

• Infection (cholangitis)

• Blockage or dislodgement of the stent

• Bile leak

These complications are relatively rare. Performing the procedure by experienced interventional radiologists and/or gastroenterologists reduces the risk.

13. Areas of Use of Biliary Stents

Biliary stent procedure is used not only in the bile ducts but also in some cases:

• Liver tumors

• Pancreatic strictures

• Postoperative bile flow disorders

It can also be used for treatment purposes in such cases.

14. How Long Does the Biliary Stent Procedure Take?

The procedure takes approximately 30–60 minutes
. The time may vary depending on the patient's general condition and the location of the blockage.

15. Who is Not Applied with Biliary Stent?

• Patients at risk of serious bleeding

• Those with uncontrolled infection

• Patients whose general condition is not suitable for the procedure

In these cases, a detailed evaluation must be made before the procedure.

16. In which department is Biliary Stent placed?

Biliary stent placement is performed by the Interventional Radiology
Department. In some centers, this procedure may be performed in conjunction with the Gastroenterology Department.

17. Alternative Methods for Biliary Stent

• Stent placement with ERCP

• Surgical biliary drainage

• Percutaneous drainage

Depending on the situation, the most appropriate method for the patient is determined by the physician.

18. Biliary Stent SSI and Private Insurance Coverage

• SSI generally covers the biliary stent procedure if there is an indication (medical necessity).

• For patients with private health insurance, a significant portion or all of the procedure may be covered, depending on the policy scope.

19. Biliary Stent Prices 2025

Biliary stent prices;

• Type of hospital (public, university, private)

• The material of the stent used (plastic or metal)

• The scope and difficulty of the transaction

varies depending on.

As of 2025, while a portion of the fee in SSI contracted centers will be covered by the state, a difference fee will be applied in private hospitals.

20. Where is Biliary Stent Placed in Ankara?

Biliary stent placement (ERCP) is performed at the following centers in Ankara:

a. University Hospitals

Advanced treatment opportunities are available in centers such as Hacettepe, Gazi and Ankara University.

b. Training and Research Hospitals

For example: Ankara City Hospital, Yüksek Uzmanyas etc.

c. Private Hospitals with SSI Agreement

Biliary stent applications can be performed in gastroenterology and interventional radiology departments.

d. Ankara Magnet Hospital

Biliary stent procedures are performed in interventional radiology and gastroenterology departments. The Social Security
Institution (SGK) covers biliary stent procedures depending on the indication.
In private hospitals, the cost of the procedure varies depending on the stent type (plastic/metal) and the hospital's pricing policy.

21. Biliary Stent (ERCP) Ankara Magnet Hospital Appointment

At Magnet Hospital Ankara, biliary stents are performed using state-of-the-art equipment by interventional radiologists and a gastroenterology team.
Appointments can be made through the hospital's dedicated departments or through the call center.

22. General Patient Comments

The majority of patients:

• The process usually takes less than 1 hour,

• After biliary stent placement, jaundice and pain complaints decreased significantly within a few days.

It expresses.

23. Frequently Asked Questions

a. How long does a biliary stent stay in place?

It can usually last between 6 months and 1 year . Once it expires, it is checked and replaced if necessary.

b. Can I take a bath after stent placement?

After the first 24 hours, you can take a bath, protecting the dressing area if any.

c. Is the biliary stent removed?

Some stents are temporary, while others are permanent. Temporary stents can be removed and replaced at regular intervals. This is determined by your doctor.

d. Is biliary stent insertion painful?

No. The procedure is usually performed under sedation, and the patient does not feel any pain during the procedure.

d. Can the biliary stent be felt in the body?

No. Since the stent is inside the internal organs, it cannot be felt or seen from the outside.

e. What happens if the stent gets blocked?

Bile flow may be disrupted again, jaundice and itching may increase, and infection may develop. In these cases, the stent may need to be replaced.

f. Is the biliary stent permanent?

In some cases, yes. A permanent metal stent may be used, especially in patients with blockages due to cancer.

g. How should nutrition be after stent placement?

Light, liquid foods should be preferred for the first few days, then a normal diet should be gradually transitioned. Avoiding fatty foods is recommended.

g. How long do stents placed in ERCP last?

• Plastic stents usually need to be replaced within 3–6 months .

• Metal stents can remain in place for anywhere from six months to several years. Metal stents may be preferred in cases where a permanent solution is needed.

h. What does “biliary type” mean?

The term "biliary type" describes structures or conditions related to the biliary tract (biliary system).
For example, "biliary stent" refers to a stent inserted into the bile duct, and "biliary colic" refers to pain originating from the biliary tract.

i. Why is a stent placed in the bile duct?

If the bile duct becomes blocked due to a stone, tumor, or stricture, the flow of bile is disrupted. This can lead to jaundice, itching, infection, and abdominal pain.
A stent opens the blockage and allows bile to flow back into the intestine.

i. Is ERCP a difficult procedure?

ERCP is a safe and generally short procedure when performed by experienced specialists.
It is a technically advanced procedure and may not be performed in every center.

j. What is the risk for the patient who has a stent placed?

As with any interventional procedure, there are some risks:

• Bile tract infection (cholangitis)

• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)

• Bleeding

• Very rarely, perforation occurs.

These risks can usually be recognized and treated early. Follow-up and medical attention are important.

k. How does biliary colic pain occur?

Biliary colic usually occurs when a gallstone temporarily blocks the duct.
The pain begins in the upper right abdomen (below the ribs), may radiate to the back or right shoulder, and is particularly worse after eating. It is intermittent and can last from a few minutes to several hours.

l. What does biliary stent mean?

A biliary stent is a thin tube inserted into the bile ducts. The goal is to open the obstruction and restore bile flow. It can be made of plastic or metal and can be placed temporarily or permanently.

m. What are the risks of ERCP?

• Pancreatitis (3–10%)

• Bile tract infection (cholangitis)

• Bleeding

• Perforation of the intestine or bile duct (very rare)

The risk rate varies depending on the duration of the procedure, the degree of difficulty and the general condition of the patient.

n. How many sessions of ERCP can be performed?

Usually, one session is sufficient. However:

• If stent replacement is necessary, it can be done again after 3–6 months.

• If new stones or strictures develop, additional sessions may be required.

o. How long does ERCP stent removal take?

Stent removal usually takes 5–15 minutes .
It is performed under light sedation and is generally painless.

ö. What should be taken into consideration after ERCP?

• Heavy meals should be avoided for the first 24 hours and light foods should be preferred.

• If abdominal pain, fever, nausea, vomiting or jaundice increase, a doctor should be consulted immediately.

• Medicines recommended by the doctor (antibiotics, painkillers, etc.) should be used regularly.

• Follow-up appointments should not be neglected.