Topic Overview
In some cases of
bowel obstruction, a doctor places expandable metal
tubes called stents in the large intestine. Stents hold the intestine open to
allow its contents to move forward. This helps restore bowel function and
improve symptoms.
Stents may be used to:
- Help you gain strength before
surgery.
- Help prevent emergency surgery. Making large-intestine
surgery less urgent may help avoid the need for a
colostomy.
- Treat an obstruction caused by
inoperable cancer.
Credits
ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerE. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical ReviewerKenneth Bark, MD - General Surgery, Colon and Rectal Surgery