title: Endoluminal stenting for relief of colonic obstruction is safe and effective.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to investigate the outcome of endoluminal stenting in the management of patients presenting with acute large bowel obstruction.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty-eight consecutive patients presenting to one consultant surgeon with large bowel obstruction were considered for the procedure.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Twenty-four patients were successfully treated using this modality, which is to date the largest series in the UK. We discuss the complications encountered in detail and discuss the cost effectiveness of this procedure.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Endoluminal stenting is safe and effective, and cost effective for palliation. We advocate a multicentre randomized prospective trial of best practice emergency surgery vs endoluminal stenting and subsequent elective surgery for large bowel obstruction.
authors.affiliation: Joyce Green Hospital, Dartford, UK.
authors.lastname: Cole
authors.lastname: Boorman
authors.lastname: Osman
authors.lastname: Sathananthan
authors.lastname: Parker