From the Guidelines
It is generally safe to eat apple skin with an axio-esophageal (AX) stent connecting the stomach to the pancreas, but it is crucial to consult your doctor first. The AX stent creates a channel between these organs to drain pancreatic fluid, and while apple skin contains fiber that's normally beneficial, individual tolerance may vary based on your specific condition 1. Some patients with gastrointestinal stents are advised to follow a modified diet that avoids foods that could potentially irritate the stent site or cause blockage. Apple skin is unlikely to cause problems as it's relatively soft and breaks down well during digestion, but if you've recently had the stent placed or are experiencing digestive issues, starting with peeled apples might be gentler on your system.
Key considerations for patients with AX stents include:
- Monitoring for any discomfort, bloating, or changes in stent drainage after eating apple skin
- Reporting these symptoms to your healthcare provider
- Following personalized dietary guidance based on your specific situation, as provided by your gastroenterologist or interventional endoscopist who placed the stent 1. While the provided evidence primarily discusses biliary stenting and pancreatic cancer, the principles of stent management and potential complications can be applied to AX stents, emphasizing the importance of individualized care and consultation with a healthcare provider.
From the Research
AXIOS Stent Safety and Migration
- The AXIOS stent is designed for transgastric or transduodenal drainage of symptomatic pancreatic pseudocysts and symptomatic walled off necrosis 2.
- Studies have reported various complications associated with AXIOS stents, including stent migration, which can occur despite the stent's design to prevent this 2, 3, 4.
- Stent migration can lead to serious adverse events, such as hemorrhage, perforation, and death 2.
- There is no direct evidence on the safety of apple skin for individuals with an AXIOS stent connecting the stomach to the pancreas.
- The AXIOS stent has been used for various applications, including drainage of pancreatic fluid collections and management of achalasia and esophageal varices 5, 6.
Stent Migration and Complications
- Stent migration is a recognized complication of AXIOS stent placement, and can occur into various parts of the gastrointestinal tract, including the esophagus and colon 3, 4.
- Conservative management is feasible for stent migration, and can be considered if there are no complicating features 4.
- The AXIOS stent has a dumbbell configuration designed to reduce the rate of migration, but migration can still occur 4.
- Adverse events associated with AXIOS stents include hemorrhage, perforation, pain, and death 2.