Improved results for left-sided malignant colorectal obstruction with a proper selection for self expandable metal stent placement, surgical resection or diverting stoma.

AIMS: Endoscopic placement of Self Expandable Metal Stents to relieve malignant colorectal obstruction has become a common therapeutic advancement in clinical practice.

METHODS

In a 16 year period 145 patients had endoscopic placement of a Self-Expandable Metal Stent for acute/subacute left sided malignant colorectal obstruction in a center where gastroenterologists and surgeons cooperate in a daily basis, discussing indications.

RESULTS

There was no operative mortality and no major complication in placement of the stent. Technical and clinical success was respectively 94.5% and 91.8%. Consultation among specialists changed the preoperative indication in 60 patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Self-Expandable Metal Stents placement represents an important tool to treat patients with obstructing colorectal cancer. Surgical resection, diverting stoma or endoscopic stent placement should be chosen according to the clinical characteristics of each single patient. In this scenario, a close collaboration among specialists in selecting the most appropriate operative procedure is essential and brings to better results.