Colonic stenting for a malignant large bowel obstruction with pneumatosis coli to reduce surgical risk

Patients with a malignant large bowel obstruction are often late in seeking medical attention and are usually in poor health by the time a complete blockage is apparent. Emergency surgery in this setting, particularly in a patient with significant comorbidities, often requires the creation of an ostomy and can result in postoperative complications that delay the administration of adjuvant chemotherapy. This recent case at our center illustrates how the use of a colon stent, as a bridge to surgery, can help patients avoid the need for a stoma and reduce surgical complications.