title: Efficacy and safety of colonic stenting for malignant disease in the elderly.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Self-expandable metal stents (SEMS) are an accepted palliation for malignant colorectal obstruction. Outcomes of stent insertion solely in older patients are unknown.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To compare outcomes of SEMS insertion for malignant colorectal disease, in older versus younger patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  Forty-three patients were retrospectively identified as having undergone SEMS insertion for obstructing colorectal cancer. Of these, 24 were > or = 70 years of age (older patient group) and 19 were <70 years of age (younger patient group).
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was no significant difference in successful SEMS insertion between the groups (88% in older versus 100% in younger patients, p > 0.05). Furthermore, the complication rate was similar in both groups (12.5% versus 26%, p > 0.10). There was no difference in median survival (113 days versus 135 days, p > 0.09).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Colorectal stenting for malignant disease in older patients is both safe and effective with comparative success and complication rates to a younger population.
authors.affiliation: Department of Gastroenterology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland. fdonnellan77@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Fergal
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Donnellan
authors.forename: Garret
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Cullen
authors.forename: Daniel
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Cagney
authors.forename: Phil
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: O'Halloran
authors.forename: Gavin C
authors.initials: GC
authors.lastname: Harewood
authors.forename: Frank E
authors.initials: FE
authors.lastname: Murray
authors.forename: Stephen E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Patchett
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D003106:Colon / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D003110:Colonic Neoplasms / Q000401:mortality / Q000601:surgery*; D003710:Demography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015607:Stents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D015996:Survival Rate; D016896:Treatment Outcome