HealthWise KnowledgeBase
Bowel Obstruction: Stent Treatment
Topic Overview
In some cases of Reference bowel obstruction Opens New Window, a doctor places expandable metal tubes called stents in the large intestine. Stents hold the intestine open to allow its contents to move forward, which 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 Reference colostomy Opens New Window.
- Treat an obstruction caused by inoperable cancer.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference April 27, 2011 |
| Medical Review: | Reference Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Reference Jerome B. Simon, MD, FRCPC, FACP - Gastroenterology |
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