Expandable Metal Stent Placement for Malignant Colorectal Obstruction

Abstract

Most outcome data for placement of self-expanding metal stents (SEMS) within the gastrointestinal tract comes from experience of their use within the esophagus and biliary tree. In 1992, Spinelli et al. first reported placement of a modified Gianturco-Rösch stent within the colon for management of large bowel obstruction, and a large amount of data has accrued concerning SEMS use within the large bowel. The goal of this article is to define the clinical indications for insertion of SEMS for colonic obstruction, the types of stents used, the techniques of insertion, and the outcomes.