The management of neoplastic colorectal obstruction with colonic endolumenal stenting devices.
BACKGROUND
Colonic endolumenal stenting (CELS) to treat obstructing colorectal neoplasms was first described in 1991. The aim of this study was to review the published world literature and make recommendations for its use in current clinical practice.


METHODS
Suitable English language reports were identified using a Medline search.


RESULTS
CELS can been successfully accomplished in 64% to 100% of obstructing malignant colonic lesions. Distal lesions are more common and theoretically more easy to stent although lesions within the ascending colon have been successfully managed. Minor complications include transient anorectal pain and rectal bleeding, however, significant complications of stent dislocation and colonic perforation are also well recognized.


CONCLUSIONS
CELS can aid the palliative management of malignant colorectal obstruction. Its role in relieving obstruction prior to resection remains to be defined. Increasing experience has allowed the safe placement of stents and relief of obstruction of virtually any lesion throughout the large bowel.
Harris
G J
GJ
Department of Colorectal Surgery, The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA. mrguyharris@aol.com
Senagore
A J
AJ
Lavery
I C
IC
Fazio
V W
VW
D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007415:Intestinal Obstruction / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D018579:Patient Selection; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D015607:Stents; D016896:Treatment Outcome