Metallic Stent for Malignant Colorectal Obstruction

Abstract

AbstractAcute colorectal obstruction has been often reported as a secondary outcome of left-colonic malignancy. It is considered as a common emergency condition. Self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS) placement is widely used as a palliative treatment for the management of malignant colorectal obstruction (MCRO). SEMS placement is also deliberated as a bridge to surgery. With advances in technology, several recent studies of SEMS placement for MCRO indicated high technical (94–98%) and clinical (91–93%) success rates. The complication rate associated with SEMS is quite acceptable. However, long-term outcomes are still unclear. The symptoms should be carefully monitored before application of SEMS, particularly in patients who are eligible for systemic chemotherapy and in patients with a long life expectancy because of late complications such as reobstruction, stent migration, and perforation. Appropriate patient selection and placement technique are keys for the successful implementation of SEMS.