title: Self-expanding metallic stents for acute left-sided large-bowel obstruction: a review of 130 patients.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of self-expanding metallic stent (SEMS) placement in acute left-sided large-bowel obstruction.
  
  
  METHODS
  From 1997 to 2008, 130 patients [mean 67 (SD 14.7)] underwent SEMS insertion for acute left-sided large-bowel obstruction. One-hundred and one procedures were palliative, and 29 patients underwent stent insertion as a bridge for surgery. The success rate and the outcome were analysed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The chief causes of obstruction were primary (67%) and recurrent (16%) colorectal carcinoma. The success rate was 88% after insertion of the first stent. In nine patients, insertion of a second stent was required. Complications occurred in 20% of the insertions, with migration (10.8%) being the most common. Perforation occurred in two patients and one developed a colovesical fistula. In patients with palliative stenting, 14 (13.9%) required subsequent surgery, with a stoma placed in all except three. Among the 29 patients who underwent SEMS insertion as a bridge to surgery, subsequent surgical resection was performed in 26 patients at a mean interval of 12 days (SD 18.0). Primary anastomosis was performed in 24 patients. The mean survival for those who underwent SEMS insertion as a bridge to surgery was 40 (95% confidence interval: 24-55) months.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  SEMS placement is safe and effective in relieving acute left-sided colonic obstruction. It allows subsequent definitive surgery on an elective setting and also serves as good palliation for advanced or disseminated disease.
authors.affiliation: Division of Colorectal Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, China.
authors.forename: C C
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Foo
authors.forename: J T C
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: Poon
authors.forename: W L
authors.initials: WL
authors.lastname: Law
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003108:Colonic Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007415:Intestinal Obstruction / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000150:complications*; D010166:Palliative Care; D012002:Rectal Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D015607:Stents / Q000009:adverse effects; D016896:Treatment Outcome