Assistance of colorectal stent insertion by sphincterotome.
OBJECTIVE
Palliation of patients with unresectable colorectal carcinoma is an effective treatment and technical failure is undesirable. Insertion of colorectal stent using a combined radiologic and colonoscopic technique may be technically limited by the ability to negotiate tortuous bends, particularly if the bowel is fixed.


METHODS
We used a through scope sphincterotome, which improved the ability to traverse difficult strictures.


RESULTS
We have used the technique in four cases as a last resort. This resulted in a technical success in all four cases (100 percent).


CONCLUSIONS
Sphincterotome is a useful adjunct in stenting difficult colorectal tumor strictures.
Armstrong
Euan M
EM
Department of Radiology, Royal Cornwall Hospital, Truro, Cornwall, United Kingdom. euan.armstrong@ukonline.co.uk
Fox
Bruce M
BM
D000368:Aged; D003113:Colonoscopy; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007415:Intestinal Obstruction / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000379:methods*; D015607:Stents