Questions about stents?
You can also speak to our specialist nurses on our free Support Line with questions about having a stent put in or any problems afterwards.
Are there any problems with stents for a blocked bile duct?
Stents to treat symptoms of pancreatic cancer can cause some problems. There are ways to deal with these.
What's in the 'Stents for a blocked bile duct' section?
- Stent for a blocked bile duct
- How is a stent put into the bile duct?
- Are there any problems with stents for a blocked bile duct?
If the stent gets blocked
The main problem with biliary stents is that they can get blocked. This is usually caused by the cancer growing through the stent, or a build-up of bile in the stent. If your stent gets blocked, the jaundice may come back, and you may get symptoms again.
If this happens another stent may be put in to treat the blockage.
Infection
There is a risk of infection. This is usually caused by the stent getting blocked. Signs of infection include tummy pain, the jaundice coming back, high temperature, aching muscles or shivering. If you have signs of an infection, contact your medical team, or go to A&E.
Antibiotics can treat the infection and the stent may be replaced.
Stent moving out of place
Sometimes stents can move out of place. You may hear this called stent migration. If this happens the stent is usually removed and a new one put in.
Tummy pain or jaundice coming back can be signs that the stent has moved. Speak to your doctor or nurse if you get either of these symptoms. They can decide if the stent needs to be replaced.
Inflamed pancreas (pancreatitis)
If an ERCP is used to put in the stent, this can sometimes cause pancreatitis. This is an inflammation of the pancreas. Symptoms include severe tummy and back pain, being sick, or a high temperature.
Your doctors will look out for this but if it happens after you have gone home, contact your medical team. If you can’t reach them, go to A&E.
Discomfort
Occasionally stents cause discomfort in the upper tummy when they are first put in. This is not common and normally gets better over a few days.
Other possible problems
There are some other possible problems from having a stent put in. For example, sometimes the procedure can cause bleeding or a hole in the intestine. But these problems are very rare. If you are concerned about any symptoms after you have left hospital, contact your medical team or if you can’t reach them, go to A&E.
If you have any questions or worries about having a stent put in, speak to your medical team.
Questions to ask your doctor or nurse
- Will a stent help me feel better?
- How quickly will I feel better after the stent is put in?
- Are there any problems with stents?
- Will I need any blood tests after having the stent put in?
- Will a stent affect future treatment such as chemotherapy?
Speak to our nurses
References
We have listed some of the references to the sources used to write this information. If you would like the full list of references, email us at publications@pancreaticcancer.org.uk.
- Hathorn KE, Bazarbashi AN, Sack JS, McCarty TR, Wang TJ, Chanm WW, Thompson CC and Ryou M. EUS-guided biliary drainage is equivalent to ERCP for primary treatment of malignant distal biliary obstruction: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Endoscopy International Open 2019; 07: E1432-1441. https://doi.org/10.1055/a-0990-9488 [Accessed December 2025]
- Kovacs N, Pecsi D, Sipos Z, Farkas N, Foldi M, Hegyi P, Bajor J, Eross B, Marta K, Miko A, Rakonczay Z, Sarlos P, Abraham S and Vincze A. Suprapapillary Biliary Stents Have Longer Patency Times than Transpapillary Stents – A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal of Clinical Medicine 2023; 12: 898. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00464-024-10837-4 [Accessed December 2025]
- Perone J, Riall T, Olino K. Palliative Care for Pancreatic and Periampullary Cancer. Surg Clin North Am. 2016;96(6):1415-1430. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.suc.2016.07.012 [Accessed December 2025]
- Corbera A, Rios Hoyo A, Visa L, Casadevall D, Ilzarbe L, Barranco L, Radosevic A and Servitja S. Incidence of complications associated to bile duct stents, in patients with advanced cancer: a single-center experience. Supportive Care in Cancer 2022; 30: 4373-4378. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-021-06737-1 [Accessed December 2025]
- Turan AS, Jenniskens S, Martens JM, Rutten MJCM, Yo LSF, van Strijen MJL, Drenth JPH, Siersema PD, van Geenen EJM. Complications of percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography and biliary drainage, a multicenter observational study. Abdominal Radiology 2022; 47: 3338-3344. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00261-021-03207-4 [Accessed December 2025]
Updated October 2023
Review date October 2026