Self-expanding metallic stents in acute mechanical intestinal obstructions resulting from colorectal malignancies

Endoscopic colonic stenting with self-expanding metallic stents is now widely used to treat malignant large bowel obstruction, where temporary or permanent decompression of the large bowel is desired. The medical records of patients who underwent endoscopic colonic stenting for malignant large bowel obstruction between May 2004 and May 2011 were reviewed. Success rate, morbidity, and mortality rate along with patient characteristics were documented. Sixty-seven patients were included. The procedure was used as a bridge to surgery in 38 and as a palliative measure in 29. Success rate was 95.5 per cent. Perforation and reobstruction occurred in three and three patients, respectively. All of the patients who developed perforation or reobstruction underwent emergency surgery. Endoscopic stenting offers a safe and effective treatment option in patients with malignant large bowel obstruction with comparable outcomes.