Stent Infection?

Hi,
My mom has recently been diagnosed with cancer. She has a tumor in her gal bladder (they say they can not oporate on) and the cancer formed in her bile duct. She is in the hospital now because for the 3rd time the stent that they placed has gotten infected. She just had her 3rd sugery on the stent (now has a tube in her side with a bag). Does anyone know if it is common for the stent to get infected like this (so many times)? They were trying radiation but it was not shrinking the turmor like they hoped, so they are starting cemo next week. She is very comfortable with the group of doctors she is working with and did not want to get a second opinion, I just want to make sure she is getting the proper care. Any information anyone could give me on this issue would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks - Ashley

Hi,

My dad was diagnosed with bile duct cancer in June of this year. He went into the hospital on 2 different occassions due to the stents getting infected. They changed them from the plastic stents to metal ones. The only problem with these are that once they are put in, they are harder to be replaced. They have worked for my father. Hopefully this can somewhat help you out.

Hi Ashley,

Yes infection is very cmmon with a stent. I know first hand and unfortuantly all to well.

My mom passed away Jul06 due to pancratic cancer, but it was different, she had a tumor on the bile duct. and she too had to get the stent, and had over 10 surgeries due to infection, each time they'd change out the tube and 3 months later she'd get sick with jaundice and that's how we knew she'd have to have yet again surgery.

so YES it is very common.

I'm sorry..

On 12/4/2006 Ashleyobx wrote:

Hi, My mom has recently been diagnosed with cancer. She has a tumor in her gal bladder (they say they can not oporate on) and the cancer formed in her bile duct. She is in the hospital now because for the 3rd time the stent that they placed has gotten infected. She just had her 3rd sugery on the stent (now has a tube in her side with a bag). Does anyone know if it is common for the stent to get infected like this (so many times)? They were trying radiation but it was not shrinking the turmor like they hoped, so they are starting cemo next week. She is very comfortable with the group of doctors she is working with and did not want to get a second opinion, I just want to make sure she is getting the proper care. Any information anyone could give me on this issue would be greatly appreciated. Thanks - Ashley