What is the maximum duration for which a naso-biliary stent can safely be left in place?

The maximum duration for which a naso-biliary stent can safely be left in place is generally considered to be up to two weeks. Naso-biliary stents are used to relieve biliary obstruction and allow for biliary drainage. While a stent can be placed for a relatively short duration—typically anywhere from a few days to two weeks—longer durations can lead to complications such as infection, stent clogging, and tissue ingrowth.

In clinical practice, if biliary drainage is needed for an extended period, it is often recommended to replace the naso-biliary stent with a more permanent solution, such as endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with the placement of a plastic or metal biliary stent. Therefore, while a naso-biliary stent might remain effective for several days, optimal management typically aligns with the two-week limit to minimize risks and ensure proper patient care.