title: Treatment of benign colorectal strictures by temporary stenting with self-expanding stents.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The application of stents in benign colorectal strictures is considered controversial. The aim of the present study was to assess effectiveness and complications associated with colorectal stent placement in benign colorectal disease.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fourteen patients with benign colorectal strictures who had undergone previous surgery (colorectal anastomotic stenosis, 13; neosphincter scar stenosis, one) were treated with covered self-expanding metal stent or plastic stent. Placement of the stent was performed with combined endoscopy and contrast enhanced fluoroscopy.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Self-expanding stents were successful implanted in all 14 patients without acute procedure-related complications. All patients experienced immediate decompression after stent placement with expansion and patency of the stent. Relief of bowel obstruction for at least 12 months was achieved in seven of 14 patients (50%). Anastomotic fistula healed in four of six patients (67%). Despite the initial success of stenting, re-operations had to be performed in two of seven patients because of late recurrence of the stricture after a mean follow-up of 37 months.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Temporary insertion of self-expanding stents is a safe procedure that may be effective in selected cases of benign colorectal stricture. However, repeat surgery will be necessary in a considerable number of patients due to primary or secondary failure of stenting.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery and Surgical Oncology, Helios Hospital Berlin Buch, 13122, Berlin, Germany.
authors.forename: Yiyang
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Dai
authors.forename: Sascha S
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Chopra
authors.forename: Wojciech M
authors.initials: WM
authors.lastname: Wysocki
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hünerbein
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003108:Colonic Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D013505:Digestive System Surgical Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D004724:Endoscopy; D005260:Female; D005471:Fluoroscopy; D006801:Humans; D007415:Intestinal Obstruction / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011312:Pressure; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D012008:Recurrence; D015607:Stents; D013537:Sutures; D016896:Treatment Outcome