Stent

Hi Lee28 I’ve no experience of this but just thought I’d pop this link up and hopefully someone with some experience will be along shortly?

https://bowelcancerorguk.s3.amazonaws.com/Publications/Bowel_Cancer_UK_Colonic_Stenting_V2.1.pdf

You could try following a low residue diet in the lead up like you do before a colonoscopy as it’s supposed to be easier on the bowel?

https://community.macmillan.org.uk/cancer_types/bowel-colon-rectum-cancer-forum/f/general/258088/low-residue-diet

Take care

Karen x

Hello, 

I had a stent inserted in November after being diagnosed with sigmoid colon cancer with liver and peritoneal metastases. The tumour was almost blocking my bowel so I had a choice of a stent or stoma to help prevent obstruction.

I was in hospital all day, bloods and consent form in the morning then an enema an hour before.  Afterwards I stayed a couple of hours until the sedation wore off and blood pressure etc was OK.

Got into a theatre gown before the procedure then onto my left side on a trolley like the colonoscopy. 

The procedure itself was similar to the colonoscopy and didn't take too long, it was very uncomfortable due to the gas and water they put in to clear the view and there was a bit of uncomfortable pushing to get it in the right place. I had Fentanyl and Midazolam which helped, and it was over in about half an hour. 

I had a choice of staying in hospital overnight (as they need to do an X Ray the next day to make sure the stent is in the right place and that your bowels are working) or returning the next day for X Ray so I went home and returned for the X Ray. I had a bit of discomfort for two weeks or so but nothing major.

You don't need a special diet before the stent but thet recommend a low fibre one afterwards so the stent doesn't get blocked, and stool softeners.

They should give you a leaflet with all the diet information in. 

All in all it wasn't pleasant but it didn't take long and for me was a better option than a stoma or a bowel obstruction.  I've had no problems with it since.

Hope yours goes well, best of luck with it all. I just thought of it as the first step to starting treatment and that made it easier.

Take care and I hope this helps x

Thanks x