title: Endoscopic placement of self-expanding stents in patients with symptomatic anastomotic leakage after colorectal resection for cancer: long-term results.
abstract: Anastomotic leak after colorectal resection for cancer is a challenging clinical problem. The postoperative quality of life in these situations is significantly impaired. We prospectively analyzed the effect of placing a self-expanding metal stent (SEMS) at the level of the leak, with or without proximal diverting ileostomy, in 22 patients with symptomatic anastomotic leakage after colorectal resection. The stents were placed successfully in all 22 patients. An proximal ileostomy was created in 15 patients under general anesthesia. The anastomotic leak healed, without evidence of residual stricture or major incontinence, in 19 patients (86 %). In 3 patients, the leak did not heal; in 2 patients with recurrent rectovaginal fistula, the size of the leak decreased significantly, allowing successful flap transposition; and only 1 patient required a permanent stoma. SEMS placement is a valid adjunct to the treatment of patients with symptomatic anastomotic leakage after colorectal resection.
authors: Policlinico Umberto I, University of Rome La Sapienza, Rome, Italy.
authors: Antonietta
authors: A
authors: Lamazza
authors: Policlinico Umberto I, University of Rome La Sapienza, Rome, Italy.
authors: Antonio V
authors: AV
authors: Sterpetti
authors: Policlinico Umberto I, University of Rome La Sapienza, Rome, Italy.
authors: Alessandro
authors: A
authors: De Cesare
authors: Policlinico Umberto I, University of Rome La Sapienza, Rome, Italy.
authors: Alberto
authors: A
authors: Schillaci
authors: Policlinico Umberto I, University of Rome La Sapienza, Rome, Italy.
authors: Angelo
authors: A
authors: Antoniozzi
authors: Policlinico Umberto I, University of Rome La Sapienza, Rome, Italy.
authors: Enrico
authors: E
authors: Fiori
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical / Q000009:adverse effects; D057868:Anastomotic Leak / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D003106:Colon / Q000601:surgery*; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D016099:Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007081:Ileostomy; D008297:Male; D011475:Prosthesis Failure; D012006:Rectovaginal Fistula / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D012007:Rectum / Q000601:surgery*; D000069322:Self Expandable Metallic Stents; D013997:Time Factors