[Usefulness of Metallic Stent for Left-Sided Obstructive Colon Cancer]

The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS) and transanal tube as preoperative treatments for left-sided obstructive colon cancer. Forty-three patients (the SEMS group: 28 cases, the tube group: 15 cases) were included in this study. Clinicopathological data (age, sex, tumor location, depth, histological type, stage) were comparable between the 2 groups. In addition, there was no difference in intestinal decompression rate between the SEMS group and the tube group (technical success rate: 100% vs 86.7%, clinical success rate: 92.8% vs 73.3%, complication rate: 7.1% vs 0%). A significantly higher number of patients in the SEMS group underwent laparoscopic surgery because of difference of historical background. However, no significant difference was observed between the 2 groups in postoperative outcome(complication rate, hospital stay duration). SEMS insertion had several benefits compared to transanal tube placement, such as the resumption of oral intake because of rapid resolution of obstruction and easier management because SEMSs do not require washing. SEMS insertion could be a safe and effective bridge to subsequent surgery in patients with left-sided obstructive colon cancer.