Short-term results of self-expanding metal stents for acute malignant large bowel obstruction

Self-expanding metal stents (SEMSs) can be used as a palliative treatment or to initially decompress colon prior to definitive surgery (as a so-called 'bridge to surgery'). The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of SEMS used as palliation and bridge to surgery for malignant large bowel obstruction.

A multicentre retrospective study was conducted from January 2010 to December 2013 to identify patients undergoing stent placement for acute large bowel obstruction. Patients were included from four Danish colorectal centres. Outcomes identified included clinical success, 30-day mortality, stent related complications and surgery related complications. Furthermore, we analysed for predictive factors for successful stenting. Clinical success was defined as relief of obstructive symptoms, without the need of other additional surgical interventions during the hospital stay.

SEMSs were inserted in 239 patients for whom the indication was as a bridge to surgery in 112 patients (47%) and as palliation in 127 (53%) patients. Clinical success was achieved in 90 patients (80.4%) in the bridge to surgery group and in 105 patients (82.8%) in the palliation group. The 30-day mortality rates in the two groups were 5.4% and 11.8% for bridge to surgery and palliation respectively. A total of 17.8% of the patients in the bridge to surgery group had a stent related complication and in the palliation group it was 20.4%. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that clinical failure is a predictive factor of 30-day mortality (OR 11.1, 95% CI: 4.1-30.0).

The use of a SEMS to relieve a malignant large bowel obstruction is generally an effective and safe method, but complications are seen in about 20% of patients. Further investigations are required to determine the role of SEMSs in the treatment of acute, malignant, large bowel obstruction.