Oesophageal Stent

If the oesophagus (gullet) gets narrowed, you may find swallowing food and fluids becomes difficult. The oesophageal stent is a metal, mesh-like tube that can be placed at the site of the narrowing. It will keep the narrowing in your oesophagus open. This should make it easier to swallow food and fluids. The stent is inserted via an endoscopy procedure which takes place in the x-ray department.

The examination is performed using a long flexible instrument called a gastroscope which is about the width of your little finger. It is passed through your mouth and into your oesophagus. It allows the Endoscopist (doctor or nurse specialist who performs these procedures) to look directly at the oesophagus and place the stent in correct position.

The test usually takes approximately 20-30 minutes, but you should expect to be in the department much longer as indicated above due to waiting time, check in and recovery processes.