[Self-expandable metallic stent in the treatment of colorectal obstruction]

Self-expandable metallic stent (EMS) treatment for colorectal disease was delayed compared with that for other organs. Recently, however, there have been many reports on the use of EMS in colorectal disease, mainly from the West. EMS is generally used as a palliative treatment for malignant stricture of the colon and rectum and before bridge as a surgery for obstructing colorectal cancers. Some investigators have reported on the usefulness of EMS for stricture of benign disease. The indications for EMS treatment must be considered carefully because of the lack of long-term results of the effect of a foreign body placed permanently within the human body. EMS treatment can eliminate the need for unnecessary palliative and temporary colostomy for patients with colorectal obstruction. It will become the standard treatment of colorectal stricture when specific colorectal EMS and the delivery kits are developed.