Palliation of large-bowel obstruction due to recurrent rectosigmoid tumor using self-expandable endoprostheses

When large-bowel obstruction supervenes in patients with rectal tumor recurrence and extensive nonresectable disease, a proximal diverting colostomy may be indicated. In this study, nonsurgical palliation of the obstruction was attempted by inserting self-expandable endoprostheses to bridge the stenotic lesion. The endoprostheses were positioned in two patients with large-bowel obstruction due to recurrent stenotic tumor, and extensive disease excluding palliative resection. Self-expandable endoprostheses with inner diameters of 18 mm and 22 mm were successfully inserted under endoscopic and radiographic control. Proper expansion of the endoprostheses was achieved in both patients, resulting in immediate decompression of the bowel and lasting relief of the obstruction.