Abstract: A stent is disclosed for placement within the pancreatic or biliary duct to facilitate drainage therethough, and related instrumentation which facilitates the atraumatic placement of the stent within the duct. The stent is atraumatically placed by means of an instrumentation system which draws or pulls the stent into position and wedges the distal end portion of the stent into the terminating portion of the duct to maintain the stent in place within the duct. As described herein, the stent is made of a soft biocompatible material which is resiliently compliant so as to allow the stent to readily conform to the curvature of the ductal passageway in which it has been placed. When placed, the stent extends along the length of the duct, with the proximal end extending into the duodenum. Perforations in the stent further faciliate drainage along the length of the stent.