Successful argon plasma coagulation treatment for self-expandable metal stent obstruction in colorectal cancer

Self-expandable metal stents (SEMS) have often been used to treat malignant colorectal obstruction. But SEMS obstruction occurs due to the ingrowth of colorectal cancer. We report a case in which treatment with argon plasma coagulation (APC) was effective for SEMS obstruction. An 89-year-old man was admitted to our hospital for obstructive colorectal cancer. A SEMS was inserted and it improved malignant colorectal obstruction. Computed tomography scans demonstrated liver and lung metastases. His clinical cancer staging was IVb and he wished to receive palliative care. Two months later, SEMS obstruction occurred due to ingrowth of colorectal cancer. Treatment other than stent-in-stent SEMS insertion was considered because SEMS obstruction occurred in a short period of time. APC treatment was chosen and it improved the obstruction. The duration of stent patency was 62 days. APC is an option but it needs further studies to assess the safety of APC.