Adoption of self-expanding metallic stents in the palliative treatment of obstructive colorectal cancer-look out for perforations!
Self-expanding metallic stents (SEMSs) are increasingly used for the palliative treatment of inoperable colorectal cancer. The aim of the current study was to analyze the safety and efficacy of SEMS in the palliative treatment of obstructive colorectal cancer. Between 2003 and 2006, SEMS placement was attempted in 26 patients suffering from inoperable obstructive colorectal cancer. The recovery of the patients and the outcome of this treatment modality were analyzed prospectively. SEMS was successfully inserted in 19 (73%) of 26 patients. In 16 (84%) of these 19 cases, the placement of SEMS was the definitive treatment of colorectal obstruction and no additional surgical palliation was needed. There were 3 (16%) colonic perforations related to stent application. SEMS insertion seems to be an effective alternative in the palliative treatment of patients with malignant colorectal obstruction. However, perforation is a dangerous complication of the procedure.
Varpe
Pirita
P
Department of Surgery, Turku University Central Hospital, Turku, Finland. pirita.varpe@tyks.fi
Huhtinen
Heikki
H
Rantala
Arto
A
Salminen
Paulina
P
Sarparanta
Heikki
H
Grönroos
Juha
J
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*; D004724:Endoscopy; D004867:Equipment Design; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007415:Intestinal Obstruction / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D007416:Intestinal Perforation / Q000209:etiology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010166:Palliative Care; D011446:Prospective Studies; D015607:Stents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016896:Treatment Outcome