What are the symptoms of a blocked stent

Stents to treat symptoms of pancreatic cancer can cause some problems. There are ways to deal with these.

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 thick bile in the stent.

If this happens another stent can 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. An infection may also make you dehydrated (when your body loses more water than it takes in). If this happens, phone your nurse or go to A&E.

Antibiotics can treat the infection and the stent can be replaced.

Stent moving out of place

Sometimes stents can move out of place. If this happens the stent is usually removed and a new one put in.

Signs that there may be a problem include tummy pain. The jaundice may also come back. Speak to your doctor or nurse if you get any of these symptoms. They can decide if the stent needs to be replaced.

Inflamed pancreas

Sometimes the ERCP used to put in the stent can cause pancreatitis. This is an inflammation of the pancreas. Symptoms include bad tummy and back pain, being sick or having a temperature. Your doctors will look out for this problem but if it happens after you have gone home, phone your nurse, or go to A&E if it’s outside working hours.

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 in. For example, sometimes the procedure can cause bleeding or a hole in the intestine. But these problems are very rare.

If you have any side effects after you have left hospital, phone your nurse or doctor, or go to A&E if it’s outside working hours.

If you have any questions or worries about having a stent put in, speak to your medical team.

• 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 a stent affect future treatment such as chemotherapy?

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.

Speak to our nurses

Updated October 2021

Review date October 2023

Do you know the signs of a clogged artery? If you do have a blocked artery, you may not be able to tell. You can’t feel a clogged artery, so many people don’t know they have blocked arteries until they experience an emergency such as a heart attack.

Fortunately, certain lifestyle changes and treatments can help lower your risk of a blocked artery. At Aurora Health Care, we offer a full range of care to prevent and treat blocked arteries.

What causes a blocked artery?

Blocked arteries are usually caused by atherosclerosis. This condition occurs when fat, calcium, cholesterol and other substances build up in your arteries, the blood vessels that carry blood throughout your body.

When atherosclerosis occurs in your coronary arteries, which send blood to your heart, it causes coronary artery disease. In fact, atherosclerosis is the most common cause of coronary artery disease.

Angina symptoms versus heart attack signs

Chest pain (angina) is one of the most common symptoms of a blocked artery. But it’s also one of the most well-known signs of a heart attack, so it can be hard to know if chest pain is an emergency.

The difference is whether chest pain goes away with rest. For example, you usually experience angina when you physically exert yourself or experience a strong emotional reaction. But the pain tends to go away when you rest or calm down. In a heart attack, the chest pain continues even at rest.

Angina isn’t a disease. It’s a symptom of a more serious condition such as coronary artery disease. Angina pain may:

• Begin in your breastbone (sternum)
• Extend to your left arm or shoulder
• Radiate to your jaw or upper back

Other signs you may have atherosclerosis (blocked arteries)

Additional symptoms of a clogged artery may include:

• Dizziness or weakness
• Heart palpitations, or sensations of your heart racing or fluttering
• Nausea or sweating
• Shortness of breath

Your doctor may also use tests that look for signs of atherosclerosis, such as:

• A weak or absent pulse
• A whooshing sound (bruit) in your artery
• Low blood pressure in one of your arms or legs

What to do if you have symptoms of a blocked artery

If you have chest pain that increases with activity and goes away with rest, call your health care provider. You may need tests to look for or rule out a blocked artery.

If you have sudden chest pain without exerting yourself, it may be a symptom of a heart attack. If you think you could be having a heart attack, call 911 immediately.

How to lower your risk of a blocked artery

You can lower your risk of developing atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease by:

• Eating a nutritious diet
• Exercising regularly
• Managing stress with healthy coping techniques
• Taking medications to lower cholesterol or blood pressure, as needed
• Quitting smoking

Atherosclerosis: Early detection is the best prevention

Atherosclerosis is highly treatable when it’s diagnosed early. Don’t wait until symptoms develop: Be proactive about your heart health.

When Amanda Bainer, just 35 years old, went into cardiac arrest, paramedics rushed her to Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center in Milwaukee. But 45 minutes of CPR couldn’t resuscitate her. Her left anterior descending artery (LAD) was blocked. She had suffered a type of heart attack commonly called the “widow maker.”

Aurora St. Luke’s has the only 24/7 on-site cardiac team in Wisconsin, and they quickly got to work. They placed a stent to open the blocked artery and put Bainer on life support.

“Less than 10 percent of people survive to the point she was at,” says Dr. William Fischer, cardiothoracic surgeon at Aurora St. Luke’s. “Our ECMO machine was doing the work for her heart and lungs and keeping her alive.” But after two days, she woke up and was able to return home a few days later.

Is a heart scan right for you?

A heart scan may be right for you if you’re at least 35, have not been previously diagnosed with heart disease, don’t have a pacemaker and have at least two risk factors for coronary artery disease.

Aurora Health Care offers quick and inexpensive tests to determine your risk of developing coronary artery disease. A simple heart scan could prevent a heart attack – and it may even save your life. Learn more about our $49 heart scans.

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