Treatment options in obstructed left-sided colonic cancer.
Colorectal cancer presents as an emergency with large bowel obstruction in up to 29% of cases. These patients are often elderly with multiple co-morbidities and deranged physiological function. Traditionally, the mainstay of treatment was with staged surgical procedures, but recent trends have moved towards a primary resection and anastomosis. The use of self-expanding metallic stents has been described to alleviate obstruction and act as a bridge to surgery or as a definitive palliative procedure. Although there is no significant difference in long-term survival between these two treatment modalities, there is no consensus as to which approach is optimal in this group patients.
McCullough
J A
JA
Department of Colorectal and Laparoscopic Surgery, University College London Hospitals, London, UK. jamcc2002@yahoo.co.uk
Engledow
A H
AH
D044683:Colon, Descending / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D003110:Colonic Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007415:Intestinal Obstruction / Q000601:surgery*; D010166:Palliative Care; D015607:Stents