Obstructing colorectal cancer: a population-based review of colonic stenting in Queensland, Australia

Stenting is a useful treatment option for malignant colonic obstruction, but its role remains unclear. This study was designed to establish how stents have been used in Queensland, Australia, and to review outcomes.

Patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer in Queensland from January 1, 2008, to December 31, 2014, who underwent colonic stent insertion were reviewed. Primary outcomes of 5-year survival, 30-day mortality, and overall length of survival were calculated. The secondary outcomes included patient and tumor factors, and stoma rates.

In total, 319 patients were included, and distant metastases were identified in 183 patients (57.4%). The 30-day mortality rate was 6.6% (n=21), and the 5-year survival was 11.9% (n=38). Median survival was 11 months (interquartile range, 4-27 months). A further operation (hazard ratio [HR], 0.19; P<0.001) and chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy (HR, 0.718; P=0.046) reduced the risk of 5-year mortality. The presence of distant metastases (HR, 2.052; P<0.001) and a comorbidity score of 3 or more (HR, 1.572; P=0.20) increased mortality. Surgery was associated with a reduced risk of mortality even in patients with metastatic disease (HR, 0.14; P<0.001). Twenty-two patients (6.9%) ended the study period with a stoma.

Colorectal stenting was used in Queensland in several diverse scenarios, in both localized and metastatic disease. Surgery had a survival advantage, even in patients with metastatic disease. There was no survival difference according to whether patients were socioeconomically disadvantaged, diagnosed in a major city or not, or treated at private or public hospitals. Stenting proved a valid treatment option with low stoma rates.