Overview
Once the flow of bile is restored, the threat of infection and inflammation is decreased. However, the prognosis may not be significantly altered if the pancreatic carcinoma is otherwise untreatable. Reoccurrence of the blockage (restenosis) may also occur, requiring further surgery or replacement of the stent.
Review Date 5/4/2022
Updated by: Michael M. Phillips, MD, Emeritus Professor of Medicine, The George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, DC. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.