[Treatment of left-sided obstructive colon cancer]

In patients ≥ 70 years of age with left-sided obstructive colon cancer, emergency resection should be avoided in the curative setting, and a bridge to surgery technique with Self-Expandable Metal Stent (SEMS) or a decompressing stoma should be applied. In patients < 70 years of age, all three options (emergency resection, SEMS or a decompressing stoma) can be considered as curative intent treatment. If the construction of a decompressing stoma and SEMS placement are both suitable bridging options, the low chance of having a stoma at any time in case of SEMS, and avoiding the risk of SEMS-related complications (i.e. perforation) in case of a stoma might be an important factor within a shared decision making process. SEMS is the preferred treatment in the palliative setting, with decompressing stoma as a valid alternative. Contraindications for SEMS are unavailability of required expertise, technical unsuitability, and when patients are under anti-angiogenic therapy (e.g. bevacizumab).