[The use of a self-expanding stent as palliation or before elective surgery in patients with obstructive colorectal carcinoma].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the use of colorectal stents.


METHODS
Retrospective.


METHODS
Data were collected on all patients treated at the Deventer Hospital, the Netherlands, between 1 April 1996 and 31 December 2003 in whom the placement of a self-expanding colorectal stent was attempted. Each patient's physician was contacted to inquire about the patient's status, including quality of life with the stent in situ.


RESULTS
Stent placement was attempted in 57 patients as palliation (n = 45) or before elective surgery (n = 12). Of the 57 patients, 29 were men and 28 were women, and the mean age was 71 years (range: 46-94). All patients had colorectal carcinoma, except 1 patient with stenosis following ischaemic colitis. Passage of air and faeces occurred immediately after stent expansion in 55 of the 57 patients (96%). Perforation during stent placement occurred in 2 patients, who subsequently underwent colostomy. 4 additional patients required a colostomy due to stent migration within a few hours or days after placement (n = 3) or obstruction by tumor growth after 65 days (n = 1). Patients in the palliative group had an acceptable quality of life. Those who received a stent before elective surgery were able to undergo resection, did not require colostomy, and had no postoperative complications. One patient did not undergo surgery because of extensive metastases.


CONCLUSIONS
A colorectal stent can be used in the palliative treatment of terminal patients with colorectal carcinoma before colostomy is considered. Experiences with stents before elective surgery were also positive.
Bosker
R J I
RJ
Afd. Heelkunde, Deventer Ziekenhuis, Postbus 5001, 7400 GC Deventer.
Eddes
E H
EH
ter Borg
F
F
Ledeboer
M
M
Jaspers
M M J J R
MM
Eeftinck Schattenkerk
M
M
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D003125:Colostomy; D017558:Elective Surgical Procedures; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000379:methods; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D015607:Stents; D016896:Treatment Outcome