Comparison of colonic stenting and open surgery for malignant large bowel obstruction

Colon stenting as a bridge to surgery in obstructive colorectal cancer management

Colonic stent placement is a commonly used bridging strategy for surgery in patients with obstructive colorectal cancer. The procedure involves the placement of a self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS) across the obstructive lesion to restore intestinal patency and alleviate the symptoms of obstruction. By allowing patients to receive surgery in a planned and staged manner with time for preoperative optimization and bowel preparation, stent placement may reduce the need for emergency surgery, which is associated with higher complication rates and poorer outcomes. This review focuses on the role of colon stenting as a bridge to surgery in the management of obstructive colorectal cancer. SEMS as a bridge to surgery for left-sided colon cancer has been demonstrated to be particularly useful; however, further research is needed for its application in cases of right-sided colon cancer. Colon stent placement also has limitations and potential complications including stent migration, re-obstruction, and perforation. However, the timing of curative surgery after SEMS placement remains inconclusive. Considering the literature to date, performing surgery at an interval of approximately 2 weeks is considered appropriate. Therefore, colonic stent placement may be an effective strategy as a bridge to surgery in patients with obstructive colorectal cancer.

Outcomes of colon self–expandable metal stents for malignant vs benign indications at a tertiary care center and review of literature

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic placement of a self-expandable metal stent (SEMS) is a minimally invasive treatment for use in malignant and benign colonic obstruction. However, their widespread use is still limited with a nationwide analysis showing only 5.4% of patients with colon obstruction undergoing stent placement. This underutilization could be due to perceived increase risk of complications with stent placement.

AIM

To review long- and short-term clinical success of SEMS use for colonic obstruction at our center.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed all the patients who underwent colonic SEMS placement over a eighteen year period (August 2004 through August 2022) at our academic center. Demographics including age, gender, indication (malignant and benign), technical success, clinical success, complications (perforation, stent migration), mortality, and outcomes were recorded.

RESULTS

Sixty three patients underwent colon SEMS over an 18-year period. Fifty-five cases were for malignant indications, 8 were for benign conditions. The benign strictures included diverticular disease stricturing (n = 4), fistula closure (n = 2), extrinsic fibroid compression (n = 1), and ischemic stricture (n = 1). Forty-three of the malignant cases were due to intrinsic obstruction from primary or recurrent colon cancer; 12 were from extrinsic compression. Fifty-four strictures occurred on the left side, 3 occurred on the right and the rest in transverse colon. The total malignant case (n = 55) procedural success rate was 95% vs 100% for benign cases (P = 1.0, NS). Overall complication rate was significantly higher for benign group: Four complications were observed in the malignant group (stent migration, restenosis) vs 2 of 8 (25%) for benign obstruction (1-perforation, 1-stent migration) (P = 0.02). When stratifying complications of perforation and stent migration there was no significant difference between the two groups (P = 0.14, NS).

CONCLUSION

Colon SEMS remains a worthwhile option for colonic obstruction related to malignancy and has a high procedural and clinical success rate. Benign indications for SEMS placement appear to have similar success to malignant. While there appears to be a higher overall complication rate in benign cases, our study is limited by sample size. When evaluating for perforation alone there does not appear to be any significant difference between the two groups. SEMS placement may be a practical option for indications other that malignant obstruction. Interventional endoscopists should be aware and discuss the risk for complications in setting of benign conditions. Indications in these cases should be discussed in a multi-disciplinary fashion with colorectal surgery.

Efficacy and Safety of Fluoroscopy-Guided Self-Expandable Metal Stent Placement for Treatment of Malignant Colorectal Obstruction

AIM

To investigate long-term outcomes after SEMS insertion in patients with malignant colorectal obstruction and to identify the risk factors for complications.

METHODS

The data of 119 patients with malignant colorectal obstruction who received SEMS insertion between March 2014 and February 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into two groups according to the intent of treatment, i.e., stenting as "bridge to surgery" (surgical group) and stenting for palliation (palliative group). Technical and clinical success rates and incidence of complications were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

The overall technical and clinical success rates were 97.5% and 96.6%, respectively. The technical and clinical success rates and complication rate were comparable between the two groups. In the palliative group, the mean stent patency time was 230 days. Patency rates were not significantly different between primary CRC and recurrent CRC. Incidence of complications was higher in the palliative group than in the surgical group. In multivariate analysis, chemotherapy before stent implantation may increase the risk of stent-related complications, whereas chemotherapy after stent implantation did not. Additionally, the factors independently associated with complications were female sex and preoperative chemotherapy.

CONCLUSIONS

SEMS under fluoroscopic guidance is a safe and effective treatment for malignant colorectal obstruction. For patients with resectable CRC, stent placement can serve as a bridge to elective surgery. It is worth noting that adjuvant chemotherapy between SEMS and surgery did not increase the complications. For patients with recurrent CRC, stent placement can relieve symptoms, alleviate pain, and improve quality of life.

The Role of Self-Expandable Metallic Stents in the Treatment of Malignant Strictures in all Segments of the Gastrointestinal Tract

Objectives

Management of malignant gastrointestinal (GI) obstruction presents a significant challenge. Most patients are in a profoundly decompensated state due to underlying malignancy and are not ideal candidates for invasive surgical procedures. Self-expandable metallic stents (SEMSs) are used to provide permanent or temporary patency in all endoscopically accessible stenosis of the GI tract. In this study, it is aimed to analyse the characteristics and the efficacy of patients with malignant stenosis treated with SEMS, in all segments of the GI tract.

Material and Methods

The sample consisted of 60 patients who underwent SEMS replacement, between 10 March 2014 and 16 December 2020, to treat malignant-related strictures in the GI tract at the Gastroenterology Department of the Health Sciences University Umraniye Training and Research Hospital. The data of the patients, hospital data processing database and electronic endoscopic database records were retrospectively scanned and recorded. The general characteristics of the patients and the treatment-related features were analysed.

Results

The mean age of patients who were placed SEMS was 69.7 ± 13.7 years. Uncovered (15%, n: 9), fully covered (13.3%, n: 8), or partially covered (71.6%, n: 43) SEMS were successfully placed in all patients. Clinical success in patients with SEMS was 85.7% in the esophagus, 100% in the small intestine and 90.9% in the stomach and colon. About 11.4% migration, 14.2% pain, 11.4% overgrowth and 5.7% ingrowth were detected in patients who had SEMS placed in the oesophagus. Pain was detected in 9.1% and ingrowth in 18.2% of patients who had SEMS placed in the stomach. Pain was detected in 18.2% of the patients who had SEMS placed in the colon and migration was found in 9.1%.

Conclusion

SEMS implant is a minimally invasive effective method in the palliative treatment of malignant strictures of the GI tract.

Two undesirable complications of a blowhole colostomy in left-sided colonic obstruction

Two patients with an acute left-sided colonic obstruction had a successful decompression after construction of a blowhole transverse colostomy as a bridge to surgery. However, they presented with two rather unknown stoma-related complications during this bridging period. Patient A had a stomal prolapse with additional skin problems.Patient B complained of abdominal discomfort during follow-up. The blowhole colostomy appeared to be stenotic. Stoma dilation and irrigation was initiated to prevent complete closure.Definite resection of the left-sided obstruction and reversal of both blowhole colostomies was successful, and the patients recovered without further complications.We hypothesise that incision size may be related to prolapse and stenosis rates and that eversion of the mucosa of the blowhole may reduce the risk of stomal stenosis.

Long-term survival after self-expanding metallic stent or stoma decompression as bridge to surgery in acute malignant large bowel obstruction

Aim

Self-expanding metallic stents (SEMS) as bridge to surgery have been questioned due to the fear of perforation and tumour spread. This study aimed to compare SEMS and stoma as bridge to surgery in acute malignant large bowel obstruction in the Swedish population.

Method

Medical records of patients identified via the Swedish Colorectal Cancer Register 2007–2009 were collected and scrutinized. The inclusion criterion was decompression intended as bridge to surgery due to acute malignant large bowel obstruction. Patients who underwent decompression for other causes or had bowel perforation were excluded. Primary endpoints were 5-year overall survival and 3-year disease-free survival. Secondary endpoints were 30-day morbidity and mortality rates.

Results

A total of 196 patients fulfilled the inclusion criterion (SEMS, 71, and stoma, 125 patients). There was no significant difference in sex, age, ASA score, TNM stage and adjuvant chemotherapy between the SEMS and stoma groups. No patient was treated with biological agents. Five-year overall survival was comparable in SEMS, 56 per cent (40 patients), and stoma groups, 48 per cent (60 patients), P = 0.260. Likewise, 3-year disease-free survival did not differ statistically significant, SEMS 73 per cent (43 of 59 patients), stoma 65 per cent (62 of 95 patients), P = 0.32. In the SEMS group, 1.4 per cent (one patient) did not fulfil resection surgery compared to 8.8 per cent (11 patients) in the stoma group (P = 0.040). Postoperative complication and 30-day postoperative mortality rates did not differ, whereas the duration of hospital stay and proportion of permanent stoma were lower in the SEMS group.

Conclusion

This nationwide registry-based study showed that long-term survival in patients with either SEMS or stoma as bridge to surgery in acute malignant large bowel obstruction were comparable. SEMS were associated with a lower rate of permanent stoma, higher rate of resection surgery and shorter duration of hospital stay.

Bridge to surgery using a self-expandable metallic stent for stages II-III obstructive colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

Bridge to surgery (BTS) using a self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS) for the treatment of obstructive colorectal cancer improves the patient's quality of life. This study aimed to examine prognostic factors of obstructive colorectal cancer.

METHODS

We analyzed stage II-III resectable colon cancer cases (Cur A) retrospectively registered between January 2005 and December 2017. Overall, 117 patients with Cur A obstructive colorectal cancer were evaluated: 67 of them underwent emergency surgery (ES Group) and 50 of them after BTS with SEMS placement (BTS group). We compared surgical results and prognoses between the two groups.

RESULTS

A total of 50 patients underwent endoscopic SEMS placement, which technical success of 96% and morbidity rate of 18%. Primary anastomosis rates were 77.6% in ES and 95.7% in BTS (p <  0.001); postoperative complication, 46.3% in ES and 10.5% in BTS (p <  0.001); pathological findings of lymphatic invasion, 66.7% in ES and 100% in BTS (p <  0.001); venous invasion were 66.8% in ES and 92% in BTS (p = 0.04); and recurrence of 25.4% in ES and 39.1% in BTS. The 3-year overall survival was significantly different between two groups (ES, 86.8%:BTS, 58.8%), BTS is worse than ES (log-rank test; p <  0.001). Venous invasion independently predicted worsened recurrence-free and overall survival.

CONCLUSIONS

The vascular invasiveness was correlated with tumor progression after SEMS placement, and the survival rate was lower in BTS. SEMS potentially worsens prognostic outcomes in stage II-III obstructive colorectal cancer.

Long-term outcomes of stent-related perforation in malignant colon obstruction: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

The placement of self-expandable metallic stents as a bridge to surgery in malignant colon obstruction is concerning due to the long-term oncological results reported in recent published studies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the oncological consequences of stent-related perforations in patients with malignant colon obstruction and potentially curable disease.

METHODS

MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Ovid and ISRCTN Registry were searched, with no restrictions. We performed five meta-analyses to estimate the pooled effect sizes by using a random-effect model. The outcomes were global, locoregional and systemic recurrence rate and 3 and 5 year-survival rate depending on the presence or absence of stent-related perforation.

RESULTS

Thirteen studies (950 patients) were included. The overall rate of stent-related perforation was 8.9%. The global recurrence rate was significantly higher in stent-related perforation group (41.2 vs. 30.8%; OR 1.70; 95%CI: 1.02-2.84; p = 0.04). Locoregional recurrence rate was higher in the perforated group than in the non-perforated group (26.6 vs. 12.5%), with statistically significant differences (OR 2.41; 95% CI:1.33-4.34; p = 0.004). No significant differences were found in systemic recurrence rate (13.6 vs. 20.5%; OR 0.77; 95%CI: 0.35-1.7; p = 0.51); 3-year overall survival rate (65.4 vs. 74.8%; OR 0.63; 95% CI:0.29-1.39; p = 0.25) and 5-year overall survival rate (48.3 vs. 58.6%; OR 0.67; 95%CI: 0.27-1.65; p = 0.38).

CONCLUSION

Stent-related perforation is associated with an increased risk of global and locoregional recurrence. The successful placement of the stent as a bridge to surgery in the curative purpose of patients with obstructed colon cancer does not exclude the presence of underlying perforation, with the consequent danger of disease spread. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42020152817.

Stenting as a Bridge to Surgery or a Palliative Treatment

Endoscopic stenting of the colorectum has emerged as a viable alternative to surgical interventions in a selected group of patients. The main indication for stenting is bowel obstruction. As such stenting can be used to palliate patients with metastatic disease or bridge patients to surgical intervention. The main advantages of stenting in the emergency setting include lower morbidity and mortality, lower incidence of stoma formation, shorter hospitalization, and better quality of life. For patients with unresectable disease and short life expectancy, stenting can be considered. However, for patients with longer life expectancy, the potential long-term complications of a metal stent such as erosion, migration, or obstruction have engendered debate whether such patients are better served by operative intervention. Stenting as a bridge to surgery is an alternative to surgery in patients who are high risk for emergency surgery but concerns remain regarding its impact on oncologic outcome in potentially curable patients.

Evidence according to Cochrane Systematic Reviews on Alterable Risk Factors for Anastomotic Leakage in Colorectal Surgery

Anastomotic leakage reflects a major problem in visceral surgery, leading to increased morbidity, mortality, and costs. This review is aimed at evaluating and summarizing risk factors for colorectal anastomotic leakage. A generalized discussion first introduces risk factors beginning with nonalterable factors. Focus is then brought to alterable impact factors on colorectal anastomoses, utilizing Cochrane systematic reviews assessed via systemic literature search of the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Medline until May 2019. Seventeen meta-anaylses covering 20 factors were identified. Thereof, 7 factors were preoperative, 10 intraoperative, and 3 postoperative. Three factors significantly reduced the incidence of anastomotic leaks: high (versus low) surgeon's operative volume (RR = 0.68), stapled (versus handsewn) ileocolic anastomosis (RR = 0.41), and a diverting ostomy in anterior resection for rectal carcinoma (RR = 0.32). Discussion of all alterable factors is made in the setting of the pre-, intra-, and postoperative influencers, with the only significant preoperative risk modifier being a high colorectal volume surgeon and the only significant intraoperative factors being utilizing staples in ileocolic anastomoses and a diverting ostomy in rectal anastomoses. There were no measured postoperative alterable factors affecting anastomotic integrity.

Detection of circulating colorectal cancer cells by a custom microfluid system before and after endoscopic metallic stent placement

Although the detection of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) should be crucial for future personalized medicine, no efficient and flexible methods have been established. The current study established a polymeric custom-made chip for capturing CTCs with a high efficiency and flexibility. As an example of clinical application, the effects of self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS) placement on the release of cancer cells into the blood of patients with colorectal cancer and bowel obstruction were analyzed. This was assessed as the placement of SEMS may cause mechanical damage and physical force to malignant tissue, increasing the risk of cancer cell release into the bloodstream. The present study examined the number of CTCs using a custom-made chip, before, at 24 h after and at 4 days after SEMS placement in patients with colorectal cancer. The results revealed that, among the 13 patients examined, the number of CTCs was increased in three cases at 24 h after SEMS placement. However, this increase was temporary. The number of CTCs also decreased at 4 days after stent placement in most cases. The CTC chip of the current study detected the number of CD133-positive cancer stem-like cells, which did not change, even in the patient whose total number of CTCs temporarily increased. The results indicated that this custom-made microfluid system can efficiently and flexibly detect CTCs, demonstrating its potential for obtaining information during the management of patients with cancer.

Outcomes following colonic stenting for malignant left-sided bowel obstruction: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials

PURPOSE

Malignant bowel obstruction is a common presentation and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Emergency resection is the traditional treatment modality. In recent years, colonic stenting as a bridge to surgery has become more prevalent. However, there is considerable debate surrounding its use. The aim of this review was to examine the technical and clinical success of self-expanding metal stent (SEMS) as a bridge to surgery for obstructing colorectal tumours.

METHODS

We systematically reviewed randomised controlled trials using PubMed, Cochrane and SCOPUS databases. Included studies must have compared outcomes in SEMS as a bridge to surgery with those proceeding straight to emergency resection.

RESULTS

A total of 1245 studies were identified. After removal of duplicates and non-relevant studies, we identified seven articles which met the predefined criteria. This review observed that 81% of SEMS were technically successful, with 76% of patients having restoration of gastrointestinal function. Iatrogenic perforation rate was 5%. One-fifth of patients required emergency surgery following stent placement, and permanent stoma rate was 8.7%.

CONCLUSION

This study observed that SEMS as a bridge to surgery is associated with good technical and clinical success, with low rates of perforation and permanent stoma. SEMS should be part of the treatment armamentarium for obstructing colorectal neoplasms, but careful patient selection and institutional expertise are important factors for success.

Current status of colonic stent for obstructive colorectal cancer in Japan; a review of the literature

Colorectal cancer is the most common cancer in Japan. Approximately 10%-20% of the patients with colorectal cancer present with large bowel obstruction, and those who present with malignant colonic obstruction (MCO) require urgent decompression because MCO can cause electrolytic fluid imbalance, colonic necrosis, bacterial translocation, and death. Placement of colonic stents (self-expandable metallic stents) for MCO is a major and standard endoscopic treatment that has been available since 2012 in Japan. This review presents the current conditions and future prospects of this procedure based on the literature. The current indication of colonic stent placement is malignant colorectal stenosis. One of the purposes of using stents is palliative treatment; further, its advantages over emergency surgery with colostomy include avoidance of colostomy, relief of obstruction, shorter hospitalization, and better quality of life. In addition, stent placement can also be used as a bridge to surgery since the duration of the hospitalization is shorter and postoperative complications, colostomy rates, and mortality rates are lower with elective than with emergency surgery. Although recent studies have reported low complication rates related to colonic stents, complications may still occur, highlighting the importance of good preparation, adequate staffing, backup systems, and informed consent. The current major problem related to colonic stents is the lack of evidence on patients' long-term prognoses for bridge to surgery purposes, awaiting the results of ongoing clinical research.

Management of Cancer-Associated Intestinal Obstruction in the Final Year of Life

BACKGROUND

There is variation in the clinical management of intestinal obstruction (IO) in patients with cancer. We describe the management of cancer-associated IO near the end of life in a population-based cohort with universal health coverage.

METHODS

Patients who died of gastric, colorectal, ovarian, and pancreatic cancers from 2002 to 2015 were identified from the Ontario Cancer Registry. Those with ≥1 hospital admission for IO in the final year of life were identified from administrative data. Management of IO at index admission was categorized as surgery, gastrostomy, stent, feeding jejunostomy, and medical management. Trends in management over the study period were assessed by the Cochran-Armitage test.

RESULTS

The cohort included 57 378 patients (gastric [n = 7448, 13%], colorectal [n = 30 577 53%], ovarian [n = 6273, 11%], and pancreatic [n = 13 080, 23%] cancers). Of those, 7618 (13%) patients had ≥1 admission for IO in the final year of life. Of these patients, 2657 (35%) patients were managed with a surgical/procedural intervention at index admission (surgery [86%], gastrostomy [8%], stent [6%], and jejunostomy [0.4%]); the remaining patients (n = 4961, 65%) received medical management. Over the study period, there was a small but statistically significant increase in the use of stents (0% in 2002 to 5% in 2015, P < .0001) and gastrostomy tubes (2% in 2002 to 4% in 2015, P = .002) and a large decrease in the use of surgery (41% in 2002 to 28% in 2015, P = .04).

CONCLUSIONS

Management of IO has changed over time with the increased use of stents and gastrostomy tubes and decreased use of surgery.

Better recurrence-free survival after stent bridge to surgery compared to emergency surgery for obstructive left-sided colonic cancer in patients with stage III status of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC): a bicentric retrospective study

PURPOSE

Stenting as a bridge to surgery (SBTS) can transform an emergency surgery (ES) into an elective surgery in patients with symptomatic left-sided malignant colonic obstruction. Concerns have been raised regarding short-term morbidity and long-term oncologic outcomes, with contrasting results reported in the literature. Our main aim is to evaluate not only long-term oncologic outcomes but also short-term postoperative outcomes of stented patients who underwent elective surgery compared to those who had ES.

METHODS

From January 2006 to May 2012, we retrospectively identified patients with confirmed left-sided colorectal cancer obstruction. This was done in two centers of reference of colorectal diseases in southern Spain with patients who were treated with curative intent either with ES or SBTS. The short- and long-term results were compared between both groups.

RESULTS

There were 71 patients in the stenting group and 66 in the emergency surgery group, with similar demographic data. Initial stoma creation rates were lower in the SBTS group (16.9% vs. 54.5%, p < 0.005) and the primary anastomosis rate was higher in the same group (83.1% vs. 45.5%, p < 0.005). Five-year recurrence-free survival (RFS) rates were comparable between groups (75.3 vs. 59.8%, p = 0.220), but RFS rates at 5 years for AJCC pathologic stage III were higher in the stenting group (69.7% vs 30%, p = 0.004). Both groups were comparable regarding overall and cancer-specific survival outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of SBTS reduces ostomy rates in patients with obstructive colon malignancies. Long-term survival results are similar. Patients in the SBTS group with stage III AJCC status showed a higher 5-year recurrence-free survival rate than those in the ES group.

Uncovered versus covered stent in management of large bowel obstruction due to colorectal malignancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

To compare outcomes of uncovered stent and covered stent in management of large bowel obstruction secondary to colorectal malignancy.

METHODS

We conducted a search of electronic databases identifying studies comparing outcomes of uncovered and covered stents in management of large bowel obstruction secondary to colorectal malignancy. The Cochrane risk-of-bias tool and the Newcastle-Ottawa scale were used to assess the included studies. Random or fixed effects modelling were applied as appropriate to calculate pooled outcome data.

RESULTS

One randomised controlled trial (RCT) and nine observational studies, enrolling 753 patients, were identified. Uncovered stent was associated with lower risks of complications (RR 0.57 95% CI 0.44-0.74, P < 0.0001), tumour overgrowth (RR 0.29 95% CI 0.09-0.93, P = 0.04), and stent migration (RR 0.29 95% CI 0.17-0.48, P < 0.00001); longer duration of patency (MD 18.47 95% CI 10.46-26.48, P < 0.00001); lower need for stent reinsertion (RR 0.38 95% CI 0.17-0.86, P = 0.02); and higher risk of tumour ingrowth (RR 4.53 95% CI 1.92-10.69, P = 0.0008). Rates of technical success (RR 1.02 95% CI 0.99-1.04, P = 0.21), clinical success (RR 1.03 95% CI 0.98-1.08, P = 0.32), perforation (RD 0.01 95% CI - 0.03-0.02, P = 0.65), bleeding (RD 0.00 95% CI - 0.03-0.03, P = 0.98), stool impaction (RR 0.56 95% CI 0.12-2.04, P = 0.38) and stent obstruction (RR 2.23 95% CI 0.94-5.34, P = 0.97) were similar.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that uncovered stents are superior as indicated by fewer complications, lower rates of stent migration, longer duration of patency and a reduced need for stent reinsertion. The best available evidence is mainly derived from non-randomised studies; there is a need for more RCTs.

Self-expanding metallic stent as a bridge to surgery versus emergency surgery for acute obstructive colorectal cancer: a retrospective study

Purpose: Acute obstructive colorectal cancer is a common emergency that requires decompression immediately. The aim of the study was to compare short-term and long-term results of acute obstructive colorectal cancer treated by the self-expanding metallic stent (SEMS) as a bridge to surgery (BTS) versus emergency surgery.

Patients and methods: We retrospectively reviewed 78 patients who were diagnosed as acute obstructive colorectal cancer that underwent elective surgery after stent insertion (stent group, N=37) or emergency surgery (emergency group, N=41) from January 2013 to October 2016. The Kaplan–Meier method was conducted to calculate overall survival. Univariate analyses were performed using the Mann–Whitney U analysis, Pearson’s chi-square test, and Fisher’s exact test. In addition, continuous variables were compared using the Student’s t-test.

Results: The baseline characteristics were not significantly different between the two groups. The stent group had increased preoperative serum albumin level and decreased ASA risk score. In addition, operation time, diet time, harvested lymph nodes and total stoma creation of the stent group were better than that of the emergency group. The complications and mortality during hospitalization were not significantly different between the two groups. The overall survival was not significantly different while the quality of life of survival patients in the stent group was better than that of the emergency group.

Conclusion: For acute obstructive colorectal cancer, a stent as a BTS seems to be a safe and feasible alternative option for emergency surgery in the management of acute obstructive colorectal cancer.

Acute abdominal obstruction: Colon stent or emergency surgery? An evidence-based review

According to the American Cancer Society and Colorectal Cancer Statistics 2017, colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignancies in the United States and the second leading cause of cancer death in the world in 2018. Previous studies demonstrated that 8%-29% of patients with primary CRC present malignant colonic obstruction (MCO). In the past, emergency surgery has been the primary treatment for MCO, although morbidity and surgical mortality rates are higher in these settings than in elective procedures. In the 1990s, self-expanding metal stents appeared and was a watershed in the treatment of patients in gastrointestinal surgical emergencies. The studies led to high expectations because the use of stents could prevent surgical intervention, such as colostomy, leading to lower morbidity and mortality, possibly resulting in higher quality of life. This review was designed to provide present evidence of the indication, technique, outcomes, benefits, and risks of these treatments in acute MCO through the analysis of previously published studies and current guidelines.

Successful treatment of obstructing colonic cancer by combining self-expandable stent and neoadjuvant chemotherapy: A case report

BACKGROUND

Surgery 5-10 d after stent insertion was recommended by the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy for obstructing colonic cancer. For some obstructive patients, this may be not a good choice. Here, we report the successful treatment of obstructing colonic cancer by combining self-expandable stent and neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

CASE SUMMARY

The patient was a 72-year-old man who was admitted with a chief complaint of abdominal pain for more than 1 mo. Computed tomography (CT) scanning revealed that there was a mass in the descending colon, which led to intestinal obstruction. On admission, a series of therapeutic measures, such as fasting and water deprivation, gastrointestinal decompression, total parenteral nutrition, and octreotide acetate, were taken to improve the obstructive symptoms. At the same time, a self-expandable metal stent was successfully placed across the stenosis, and a biopsy was obtained and diagnosed as adenocarcinoma. CT scanning 14 d after insertion of the stent revealed that the intestine was swollen significantly. Systemic chemotherapy with modified FOLFOX6 (mFOLFOX6) was administered. After two courses of mFOLFOX6, CT scanning showed clearly that swelling of the intestine was improved. Subsequently, the patient underwent left hemi-colectomy without stoma placement. The postoperative course was uneventful, and he has been disease-free for 6 mo after surgery.

CONCLUSION

This modified treatment strategy may provide an alternative therapy for patients with obstructing colonic cancers.

Comparative study between colonic metallic stent and anal tube decompression for Japanese patients with left-sided malignant large bowel obstruction

Background

Surgical management of malignant bowel obstruction carries with high morbidity and mortality. Placement of a trans-anal decompression tube (TDT) has traditionally been used for malignant bowel obstruction as a bridge to surgery. Recently, colonic metallic stent (CMS) as a bridge to surgery for malignant bowel obstruction, particularly left-sided malignant large bowel obstruction (LMLBO) caused by colorectal cancer, has been reported to be both a safe and feasible option. The aim of this retrospective study is to evaluate the clinical effects of CMS for LMLBO as a bridge to surgery compared to TDT.

Methods

Between January 2000 and December 2015, we retrospectively evaluated outcomes of 59 patients with LMLBO. We compared the outcomes of 26 patients with CMS for LMLBO between 2013 and 2015 (CMS group) with those of 33 patients managed with TDT between 2003 and 2011 (TDT group) by the historical study. LMLBO was defined as a large bowel obstruction due to a colorectal cancer that was diagnosed by computed tomography and required emergent decompression.

Results

All patients in the CMS group were successfully decompressed (p = 0.03) and could initiate oral intake after the procedure (p <  0.01). Outcomes in the CMS group were superior to the TDT group in the following areas: duration of tube placement (p <  0.01), surgical approach (p <  0.01), operation time (p <  0.01), number of resected lymph nodes (p <  0.001), and rate of curative resection (p <  0.01). However, no significant differences were found in the overall postoperative complication rate (p = 0.151), surgical site infection rate (p = 0.685), hospital length of stay (p = 0.502), and the need for permanent ostomy (p = 0.745). The 3-year overall survival rate of patients in the CMS and TDT groups was 73.0% and 80.9%, respectively, and this was not significant (p = 0.423).

Conclusions

Treatment with CMS for patients with LMLBO as a bridge to surgery is safe and demonstrated higher rates of resumption of solid food intake and temporary discharge prior to elective surgery compared to TDT. Oncological outcomes during mid-term were equivalent.

Endoscopic stenting for palliation of intra-abdominal gastrointestinal malignant obstruction: predictive factors for clinical success

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic stenting proved to be a safe alternative to surgery for malignant intra-abdominal gastrointestinal obstruction. Although high technical success rates have been reported, some patients do not experience relief in symptoms.

AIM

This study aimed to analyse the factors predicting the effectiveness of stent placement in patients with gastrointestinal obstruction.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective study was carried out including 160 patients who underwent palliative stenting for intra-abdominal obstruction in a tertiary centre from December 2012 to July 2017. Technical and clinical success, stent dysfunction and adverse events were analysed.

RESULTS

The rate of technical success was 98%. The rate of early clinical success was 69 and 81% in upper and lower gastrointestinal obstructions, respectively (P=0.107). In the upper tract, obstruction caused by carcinomatosis was the only independent factor predicting early and late clinical failure [odds ratio (OR): 9.7, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.5-38.4, P=0.001 and OR: 7.6, 95% CI: 1.8-31.9, P=0.006, respectively]. In the colon, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group score of at least 3 was an independent factor for early clinical failure (OR: 29.8, 95% CI: 1.9-464.9, P=0.002) and obstruction caused by carcinomatosis was an independent factor for late clinical failure (OR: 14.4, 95% CI: 1.7-119.6, P=0.013). Perforation occurred in 4 patients (2.5%) and stent dysfunction occurred in 15% of patients (4% stent migration; 9% restenosis). Carcinomatosis was a risk factor for perforation (P=0.039) and migration was higher with shorter 6 cm stents (P=0.044).

CONCLUSION

Stents are effective and safe for palliation of intra-abdominal obstruction. Carcinomatosis predicts an unfavourable clinical outcome. Palliative stenting as an option should be weighed carefully in these patients.

Impact of restenting for recurrent colonic obstruction due to tumour ingrowth

Background

Endoscopic stenting is used to palliate malignant large bowel obstruction. A proportion of patients will develop recurrent obstruction due to tumour ingrowth and require reintervention. This study aimed to assess the outcome (clinical success and complication rates) of endoscopic reintervention compared with surgical intervention in patients with stent obstruction due to tumour ingrowth.

Methods

This was an observational study using data from a database of patients who underwent palliative colonic stenting between January 1998 and March 2017 at Christchurch Public Hospital.

Results

A total of 190 patients underwent colonic stent insertion, for palliation in 182 cases. Reintervention was performed in 55 (30·2 per cent). Thirty-one patients (17·0 per cent) developed obstruction within the stent at a median of 4·6 (i.q.r. 2·3-7·7) months after the procedure. Of these, 21 had endoscopic restenting and ten underwent surgery. Restenting had technical and clinical success rates of 100 per cent, and involved a significantly shorter length of stay compared with surgery (median 2 (i.q.r. 1-4) versus 11 (6-19) days respectively; P = 0·006). Seven of the 21 patients in the restented group underwent a third palliative intervention. The overall stoma rate in the restented group was significantly lower than that in the surgical group (4 of 21 versus 10 of 10; P < 0·001). There was no difference in complications or survival between the two groups.

Conclusion

Among palliative patients who develop malignant stent obstruction, endoscopic restenting had a high chance of technical success. It resulted in a shorter hospital stay and lower stoma rate than those seen after surgery.

[Transtumoral decompression in acute left-sided colonic obstruction]

AIM

To prove an effectiveness of transtumoral decompression in patients with acute malignant left-sided colonic obstruction.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

154 patients with acute left-side colonic obstruction were enrolled. Patients were divided into 4 groups. In groups 1-3 (n=120) patients underwent surgery at the moment of colonic obstruction, in 34 patients obstruction was managed with transtumoral decompression followed by radical surgery. Self-expanding metallic stents (SEMS) were used in these patients. Radical and palliative procedures at the moment of colonic obstruction are associated with high rate of postoperative complications and mortality.

RESULTS

Transtumoral decompression in malignant colonic obstruction resolves the main objectives of complicated colonic cancer management: absence of surgical trauma, endotracheal narcosis, reduced risk of abdominal infection, possible multidisciplinary assessment of patient's status and preparation for radical surgery.

Colonic stent versus emergency surgery as treatment of malignant colonic obstruction in the palliative setting: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common malignancy and the third leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Malignant colonic obstruction (MCO) due to CRC occurs in 8 % to 29 % of patients.The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs comparing colonic SEMS versus emergency surgery (ES) for MCO in palliative patients. This was the first systematic review that included only randomized controlled trials in the palliative setting.

METHODS

A literature search was performed according to the PRISMA method using online databases with no restriction regarding idiom or year of publication. Data were extracted by two authors according to a predefined data extraction form. Primary outcomes were: mean survival, 30-day adverse events, 30-day mortality and length of hospital stay. Stoma formation, length of stay on intensive care unit (ICU), technical success and clinical success were recorded for secondary outcomes. Technical success (TS) was defined as successful stent placement across the stricture and its deployment. Clinical success (CS) was defined as adequate bowel decompression within 48 h of stent insertion without need for re-intervention.

RESULTS

We analyzed data from four RCT studies totaling 125 patients. The 30-day mortality was 6.3 % for SEMS-treated patients and 6.4 % for ES-treated patients, with no difference between groups (RD: - 0.00, 95 % CI [-0.10, 0.10], I 2 : 0 %). Mean survival was 279 days for SEMS and 244 days for ES, with no significant difference between groups (RD: 20.14, 95 % CI: [-42.92, 83.21], I 2 : 44 %). Clinical success was 96 % in the ES group and 86.1 % in the SEMS group (RD: - 0.13, 95 % CI [-0.23, - 0.02], I 2 : 51 %). Permanent stoma rate was 84 % in the ES group and 14.3 % in the SEMS group (RR: 0.19, 95 % CI: [0.11, 0.33], I 2 : 28 %). Length of hospital stay was shorter in SEMS group (RD: - 5.16, 95 % CI: [-6.71, - 3.61], I 2 : 56 %). There was no significant difference between groups regarding adverse events (RD 0.18, 95 % CI: [-0.19, 0.54;]) neither regarding ICU stay. (RD: - 0.01, 95 % CI: [-0.08, 0.05], I 2 : 7 %). The most common stent-related complication was perforation (42.8 % of all AE).

CONCLUSION

Mortality, mean survival, length of stay in the ICU and early complications of both methods were similar. SEMS may be an alternative to surgery with the advantage of early hospital discharge and lower risk of permanent stoma.

Ten-year survival after endoscopic stent placement as a bridge to surgery in obstructing colon cancer

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Self-expandable metal stents are used increasingly in the treatment of obstructing colorectal cancer (CRC). Although endoscopic colon stenting is widely accepted in palliation, disagreement exists about its role in a curative setting. This study aims to describe long-term survival data in a large patient group treated with colon stenting as a bridge to surgery for CRC.

METHODS

This prospective study included 97 patients who presented in a Belgian hospital between 1998 and 2013 with obstructing, although potentially curable, CRC. All patients underwent endoscopic stenting as a bridge to surgery. Procedure-related adverse events and long-term follow-up data were retrospectively collected and compared with the CRC mortality in Belgium in the same time span.

RESULTS

Overall survival in this observational cohort did not differ significantly from survival in all Belgian patients with CRC in the same period (P = .14). One-year, 5-year, and 10-year survival rates were similar in both groups (95.9% vs 79.0%; 54.7% vs 51.2%; 41.0% vs 35.6%, respectively). The technical success rate was 94.8%. Seventy-three patients did not experience any adverse event. Stent migration occurred in 9 patients, whereas micro-perforations and macro-perforations were observed in 14 patients, without influence on survival. Incidence rates of peritoneal metastases did not differ between patients with and without any type of perforation (22.2% vs 15.2%, respectively; P = .47). The type of stent influenced the overall adverse event risk, mainly driven by a significant increase in stent migration in case of Wallstent enteral (Boston Scientific Corporation, Natick, Mass).

CONCLUSIONS

Colon stenting before surgery is effective and did not worsen the survival outcome in patients with obstructing CRC who were treated with curative intent, which affirms the role for stenting as a bridge to surgery.

The factors influencing long-term outcomes of stenting for malignant colorectal obstruction in elderly group in community medicine

PURPOSE

Malignant bowel obstruction is a complication of colorectal carcinoma or metastasis from other carcinoma, and it causes significant damage on the condition of elderly patients; however, the self-expandable metallic stents (SEMSs) have been effectively used either for palliation or for bridging to the surgical procedure for this condition. The aim of this study was to investigate the factors influencing long-term outcomes of old-aged patients with SEMS for large bowel obstruction to develop the strategy for those patients in the community medicine.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective review of 42 patients with a median age of 83.0 years (range, 65-99 years), who underwent SEMS placement for malignant colorectal obstruction between 2006 and 2015 in our hospital. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were performed on data from the patients to assess the factors affecting 6-month survival without stent dysfunction.

RESULTS

The study population comprised 24 females (57.1%) and 18 males (42.9%). Of these, 38 patients (90.5%) received SEMS as palliation, whereas 4 patients (9.5%) underwent subsequent surgery. SEMSs were successfully inserted in 97.6% of patients. The median duration of follow-up was 205.0 days (range, 20-1377 days). On multivariate analysis, shorter stents (< 10 cm) yielded better outcomes than longer stents (≥ 10 cm) (P = 0.041), and the Cox proportional hazard model also indicated that shorter stents (P = 0.036) predicted longer event-free survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Elderly patients with malignant bowel obstruction receiving shorter stents had longer event-free survival after stenting with better general condition.

Clinical Outcomes of Self-Expandable Metal Stents for Malignant Rectal Obstruction

BACKGROUND

Self-expandable metal stents are widely used to treat malignant colorectal obstruction. However, data on clinical outcomes of stent placement for rectal obstruction specifically are lacking.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to investigate the clinical outcomes of self-expandable metal stents in malignant rectal obstruction in comparison with those in left colonic obstruction and to identify factors associated with clinical failure and complication.

DESIGN

This was a retrospective study.

SETTINGS

The study was conducted at a tertiary care center.

PATIENTS

Between January 2005 and December 2013, medical charts of patients who underwent stent placement for malignant rectal or left colonic obstruction were reviewed retrospectively.

INTERVENTION

Study intervention included self-expandable metal stent placement.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Technical success, clinical success, and complications were measured.

RESULTS

Technical success rates for the 2 study groups (rectum vs left colon, 93.5% vs 93.1%; p = 0.86) did not differ significantly; however, the clinical success rate was lower in patients with rectal obstruction (85.4% vs 92.1%; p = 0.02). In addition, the complication rate was higher in patients with rectal obstruction (37.4% vs 25.1%; p = 0.01). Patients with rectal obstruction showed higher rates of obstruction because of extracolonic malignancy (33.8% vs 15.8%; p < 0.001) and stent use for palliation (78.6% vs 56.3%; p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis indicated obstruction attributed to extracolonic malignancy and covered stent usage to be independent risk factors for clinical failure. Factors predictive of complications in the palliative group were total obstruction, obstruction because of extracolonic malignancy, and covered stent usage.

LIMITATIONS

This was a retrospective, single-center study.

CONCLUSIONS

The efficacy and safety of stent placement for malignant rectal obstruction were comparable with those for left colonic obstruction. However, obstruction attributed to extracolonic malignancy, use of covered stents, and total obstruction negatively impacted clinical outcomes of self-expandable metal stent placement and must be considered by endoscopists. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/A417.

Comparison of efficacies of the self-expandable metallic stent versus transanal drainage tube and emergency surgery for malignant left-sided colon obstruction

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE

Patients with left-sided malignant colorectal obstruction require emergency treatment. Emergency stoma surgery has traditionally been recommended, however many stomas became permanent, decreasing patient quality of life. Recently, self-expandable metallic stents (SEMS) and transanal decompression tubes (TDT) have become widely used decompression methods to avoid stoma surgery. In this study, we evaluated: 1) the efficacy of SEMS compared with TDT and emergency surgery (ES) to avoid permanent stomas; and 2) the safety and success rate of each treatment.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed data from 56 patients who underwent SEMS, TDT, or emergency surgery for malignant left-sided colon obstruction. We compared the permanent stoma rate of each group, and assessed whether or not each treatment was an independent risk factor for permanent stomas. We compared morbidity and mortality for each treatment group (SEMS, TDT, ES), and the success rate of the decompression procedures (SEMS and TDT).

RESULTS

The permanent stoma rates in the SEMS, TDT, and ES groups were 5.3%, 50.0%, and 56.0%, respectively. Emergency surgery (vs. SEMS) and TDT (vs. SEMS) were independent risk factors for permanent stomas, as was age ≥ 75 years. Operative morbidity, mortality, and hospital stay were not different between groups. The success rate of SEMS was significantly higher than TDT; however, two deaths, including one perforation, occurred in the former group.

CONCLUSION

SEMS seems to be effective in avoiding permanent stomas, but caution should be taken to avoid complications.

Clinical outcomes of self-expandable metal stent (SEMS) placement as palliative treatment for malignant colorectal obstruction: A single-center study from Japan

Objectives

We aimed to assess the efficacy of self-expanding metal stent (SEMS) implantation as palliative treatment for malignant colorectal obstruction.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the records of patients with malignant colorectal obstruction who underwent SEMS insertion as palliative treatment in our hospital between March 2013 and December 2016. We analyzed demographic, clinical, and operative characteristics.

Results

A total of 13 patients (8 males, 5 females; median age, 80.1 years) were reviewed. Tumor location included the left colon, rectum, and right colon in 38.5%, 38.5%, and 23% of the patients, respectively. Advanced and early colorectal cancer were noted in 7 (63.6%) and 4 (36.4%) cases, respectively. The mean ColoRectal Obstruction Scoring System score was 0.92 before stenting and 3.92 after stenting. Oral intake was resumed at a median of 2.1 days after SEMS placement. Median stent patency was 7.6 months, and 69.2% of patients maintained stent patency until death or the end of follow-up. Stent-related adverse effects included: re-occlusion (4 cases, 30.8%); stent migration (1 case, 7.7%), and pain with tenesmus (2 cases, 15.4%). In patients with re-occlusion (median follow-up interval, 1.3 months), stent patency was maintained for a median of 10.3 months (early failure, within 3 months; late failure, >11 months).

Conclusion

SEMS placement as a palliative treatment is likely to fail within a year, leading to re-occlusion. It is very important to maintain vigilant monitoring using X-ray, CT, and colonoscopy after SEMS placement, with close cooperation between the endoscopist and surgeon. A logistic framework involving careful follow-up, even in the absence of symptoms, and a combined team involving endoscopists and surgeons should be established to support re-intervention and surgery. We recommend vigilant monitoring of patients who received SEMS placement for palliation of malignant colorectal obstruction.

•

It is necessary to establish a logistic framework with a mixed team of endoscopists and surgeons to support re-intervention and surgery.

•

Colorectal stenting is a valid therapeutic option, palliative SEMS placement is likely to result in re-occlusion within a year of stenting.

Perforation of the cecum resulting from a closed-loop obstruction in a patient with an adenocarcinoma of the sigmoid colon: a case report

INTRODUCTION

Bowel obstruction is one of the principal non-traumatic causes of general surgery emergencies, both in Brazil and worldwide. This condition can be classified according to the degree (complete or incomplete), clinical course (acute or chronic) or nature (mechanical, vascular or functional) of the obstruction.

CASE REPORT

ESS, a 62-year old Brazilian woman from Rio de Janeiro, was admitted to the emergency department complaining of constipation of two weeks' duration. She also reported fever and fecal vomiting in the preceding two days.A syndromic diagnosis of bowel obstruction was made, and the patient was referred for CT. The sigmoid colon, descending colon, transverse colon, ascending colon, the cecum and the terminal ileum were resected.

DISCUSSION

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in the elderly, perforation of the cecum occurs in only around 3-8% of cases. 15 This can be explained by the fact that patients with colorectal cancer present with wasting syndrome before the bowel lumen becomes completely obstructed. In a literature review conducted for this study, only one publication was found in which rupture of the cecum was associated with colorectal cancer.

CONCLUSION

Although rupture of the cecum associated with colorectal cancer is a rare pathology, it constitutes a surgical emergency; therefore, all surgeons should be aware of the possibility.

Effectiveness of Laparoscopic Surgery for Obstructive Colorectal Cancer After Tube Decompression

BACKGROUND

It is debatable whether laparoscopic surgery is suitable for obstructive colorectal cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the clinical and oncological effectiveness of laparoscopic surgery after tube decompression for obstructive colorectal cancer in 54 patients (18 laparoscopic resections, 36 open resections).

RESULTS

There were no significant differences between groups with respect to mean size, location, depth, and stage of tumor, median operating times, or median number of lymph nodes retrieved. Abdominal wound infection rate was significantly lower in the laparoscopic than in the open group (0%:22%, P=0.02), as were mean times to first gas passage after surgery (2.3:3.4 d, P=0.002) and mean postoperative hospital stays (16:24.3 d, P=0.03). The 3-year disease-free survival rate of curative resection cases in the laparoscopic (85%) and open (72%) groups were not significantly different.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic surgery after tube decompression achieves faster recovery and equal oncological outcome as open surgery and should be a treatment of choice for obstructive colorectal cancer.

Methodological overview of systematic reviews to establish the evidence base for emergency general surgery

BACKGROUND

The evidence for treatment decision-making in emergency general surgery has not been summarized previously. The aim of this overview was to review the quantity and quality of systematic review evidence for the most common emergency surgical conditions.

METHODS

Systematic reviews of the most common conditions requiring unplanned admission and treatment managed by general surgeons were eligible for inclusion. The Centre for Reviews and Dissemination databases were searched to April 2014. The number and type (randomized or non-randomized) of included studies and patients were extracted and summarized. The total number of unique studies was recorded for each condition. The nature of the interventions (surgical, non-surgical invasive or non-invasive) was documented. The quality of reviews was assessed using the AMSTAR checklist.

RESULTS

The 106 included reviews focused mainly on bowel conditions (42), appendicitis (40) and gallstone disease (17). Fifty-one (48·1 per cent) included RCTs alone, 79 (74·5 per cent) included at least one RCT and 25 (23·6 per cent) summarized non-randomized evidence alone. Reviews included 727 unique studies, of which 30·3 per cent were RCTs. Sixty-five reviews compared different types of surgical intervention and 27 summarized trials of surgical versus non-surgical interventions. Fifty-seven reviews (53·8 per cent) were rated as low risk of bias.

CONCLUSION

This overview of reviews highlights the need for more and better research in this field.

Predictors of outcome for endoscopic colorectal stenting: a decade experience

PURPOSE

Endoscopic stenting is used with increasing frequency to treat colorectal conditions. Little is known about what influences outcome. This study aimed to determine the impact of various factors on the short- and long-term results of colorectal stenting.

METHODS

A retrospective review was conducted of all endoscopic stenting procedures performed by a colorectal surgeon at a tertiary referral institution between 2003 and 2013. Main outcome measures included technical success, clinical success, complications, and predictors of outcome.

RESULTS

Of the stent procedures, 183 were performed in 165 patients. The majority of patients (90 %) presented with a malignant obstruction (intrinsic colonic vs. extrinsic non-colonic). Carcinomatosis was present in 22 % of patients with malignancy, and it was associated with lower technical success compared to non-carcinomatosis (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 0.2 [95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.1-0.8]; p = 0.021). Colonic malignancy was associated with higher clinical success compared to non-colonic malignancy (AOR 3.8 [95 % CI 1.4-10.3]; p = 0.009). Carcinomatosis increased the risk of complications compared to non-carcinomatosis (AOR 3.2 [95 % CI 1.0-10.0]; p = 0.049). The risk of complication was higher when a stent was deployed in the rectum compared to the colon (AOR 4.1 [95 % CI 1.5-11.7]; p = 0.008). The use of a covered stent was associated with higher complication rate compared to a non-covered stent (AOR 13.6 [95 % CI 2.6-71.2]; p = 0.002). Balloon dilation was associated with an increased risk of complications (AOR 4.6 [95 % CI 1.3-16.2]; p = 0.017).

CONCLUSIONS

Carcinomatosis was associated with lower technical success rate. Clinical success was higher in patients with a primary colonic malignancy. The use of a covered stent, balloon dilation of stricture, lesions in the rectum, and carcinomatosis were associated with higher risk for complications.

Reocclusion after Self-Expandable Metallic Stent Placement for Relieving Malignant Colorectal Obstruction as a Palliative Treatment

Self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS) placement has been practiced in several hospitals in Japan, including ours, since January 2012. Here, we report the case of an 82-year-old Japanese man who presented to the hospital with a 1-week history of right hypochondrial pain. Computed tomography (CT) findings indicated colorectal cancer. The laboratory findings on admission indicated severe anemia (red blood cell count, 426 × 104/μL; hemoglobin, 7.9 g/dL). We performed SEMS placement because the patient refused to undergo surgery. He did not attend any of the scheduled follow-up visits after SEMS placement. However, a year and a half after the SEMS placement, the patient attended the hospital because of difficulty in passing stool. A plain abdominal CT scan showed bowel reobstruction due to the ascending colon cancer after SEMS placement. We performed an emergency operation, ascending colostomy, on the same day. Colorectal stent placement may be a good treatment option for patients who refuse to undergo conventional therapeutic treatments or in those with unresectable colorectal cancer. Patients should be carefully followed up every few months after SEMS placement because of the risk of reocclusion.

Colonic self-expanding metal stent (SEMS) as a bridge to surgery in left-sided malignant colonic obstruction: an 8-year review

INTRODUCTION

Colonic stenting has evolved to be an alternative to emergency laparotomy in the management of acute left-sided malignant colonic obstruction. This retrospective comparative study aimed to review the outcomes of colonic stent as bridge to surgery with emergency operation in a regional hospital in Hong Kong.

METHOD

Consecutive patients who were admitted from January 2006 to July 2014 with diagnosis of malignant left-sided colonic obstruction (from splenic flexure to rectosigmoid colon) were included. Patients with peritonitis or disseminated disease were excluded. Colonic stenting was attempted in all eligible patients when fluoroscopy was available in the endoscopy suite during office hour. Otherwise, emergency operation was performed. For patients with clinical success in colonic stenting, interval colectomies were performed. The postoperative outcomes, including the 30-days mortality, the stoma creation rate, the complication rate as well as the survival data were analyzed on an intention-to-treat (ITT) basis.

RESULTS

From January 2006 to July 2014, 62 patients underwent colonic stenting and 40 patients underwent emergency operations. The technical success rate and the clinical success rate of stenting were 95.2 and 83.9 %, respectively. Laparoscopic resection was achieved in 74.2 % in the stenting group. More primary anastomoses were performed in the stenting group (71.0 vs. 27.5 %, p = 0.000). The stenting group had a significantly lower permanent stoma rate (16.1 vs. 52.5 %, p < 0.000), fewer Dindo grade III to IV postoperative morbidity (16.1 vs. 40 %, p = 0.007), and the 30-day mortality rate was lower (3.2 vs. 17.5 %, p = 0.018), translating into a better overall 5-year survival rate. The disease-free survival was comparable between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Colonic self-expanding metal stent is effective in the management of acute left-sided colonic obstruction. It is associated with reduced stoma creation rate and postoperative morbidity. The oncological safety is not jeopardized by stenting and the interval operation.

Managing Malignant Colorectal Obstruction with Self-Expanding Stents. A Closer Look at Bowel Perforations and Failed Procedures

Stent treatment of large bowel obstruction is still controversial. There are concerns regarding complications, particularly bowel perforation, as well as long-term outcome in curable patients. Through a 10-year retrospective study, we have evaluated efficacy, complications, delay in surgical interventions and stent patency in cases of palliative treatment. We treated 183 patients, 85 as bridge to surgery and 98 as definitive, palliative treatment. At presentation, 58 % of patients had advanced local or metastatic disease. Seventeen patients required more than one stent insertion. The total number of procedures was 213. We recorded technical and clinical success or failure, complications, necessity of restenting or surgical intervention, mortality and stent patency in the palliation group. Stenting was clinically successful in 89 % of the bridge to surgery group and 86 % of the palliative group. Complications occurred in 7 %, including 12 perforations. Six patients suffered an early perforation, of which two died. Half of the six late perforations were silent. Procedure related mortality was 1 %. The clinical success rate was high in both the palliative and bridge to surgery setting. The complication rate was low, and the sum of early and late perforations was 5.6 %. Procedure related mortality was low.

Metronomic chemotherapy with 5-fluorouracil and cisplatin for inoperable malignant bowel obstruction because of peritoneal dissemination from gastric cancer

BACKGROUND

Gastric cancer is the 2nd leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Malignant bowel obstruction (mbo) is a common complication in advanced gastric cancer because of peritoneal dissemination. A multicentre prospective study reported that patients with peritoneal dissemination of gastric origin survive for a median of 3.1 months. The aim of the present study was therefore to evaluate the efficacy and safety of metronomic combination chemotherapy with 5-fluorouracil and cisplatin in inoperable mbo from peritoneal dissemination in gastric cancer.

METHODS

Gastric cancer patients diagnosed with inoperable mbo because of peritoneal dissemination were treated with infusional 5-fluorouracil 300 mg/m(2) daily on days 1-5 and 8-12, and cisplatin 5 mg/m(2) daily on days 1-4 and 8-11 every 3 weeks. The primary endpoint was symptom control (remission of obstruction); the secondary endpoint was symptom control time and survival; the tertiary endpoint was adverse effects.

RESULTS

Between January 2013 and December 2014, 26 patients received the study treatment. Before treatment, 18 patients (69.2%) were nil per os, and 8 (30.8%) could consume liquids. After a mean of 3.3 cycles of the study treatment, just 4 patients (15.4%) was still nil per os. Of the remaining 22 patients, 3 (11.5%) could consume liquids, 7 (26.9%) could consume soft solids, and 12 (46.2%) ate a full diet. The improved ability to eat was statistically significant (p < 0.0001). Median duration of remission from mbo was 105 days. Median survival was 182 days. The 3-month survival rate was 69.2%, and the 6-month survival rate was 53.8%. Treatment was well tolerated, with grade iii toxicities consisting of thrombocytopenia in 1 patient (3.84%) and mucositis in 2 patients (7.7%). No abnormalities in serum creatinine were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Metronomic combination chemotherapy with 5-fluorouracil and cisplatin is well tolerated and shows activity in inoperable mbo because of peritoneal dissemination in gastric cancer. Metronomic combination chemotherapy with 5-fluorouracil and cisplatin provides a rationale for exploring this medical problem in the future.

Colonic stenting as a bridge to surgery for obstructive colorectal cancer: advantages and disadvantages

PURPOSE

To clarify the advantages and disadvantages of stenting as a bridge to surgery (BTS) by comparing the clinical features and outcomes of patients who underwent BTS with those of patients who underwent emergency surgery (ES).

METHODS

We assessed technical success, clinical success, surgical procedures, stoma formation, complications, clinicopathological features, and Onodera's prognostic nutritional index (OPNI) in patients who underwent BTS and those who underwent ES.

RESULTS

Twenty-six patients underwent stenting, which was successful in 22 (BTS group). The remaining four patients with unsuccessful stenting underwent emergency surgery. A total of 22 patients underwent emergency surgery (ES group). The rates of technical and clinical success were 85.0 and 81.0 %, respectively. The proportion of patients able to be treated by laparoscopic surgery (P = 0.0001) and avoid colostomy (P = 0.0042) was significantly higher in the BTS group. Although the incidence of anastomotic leakage in the two groups was not significantly different, it was significantly reduced by colonoscopic evaluation of obstructive colitis (P = 0.0251). The mean number of harvested lymph nodes (P = 0.0056) and the proportion of D3 lymphadenectomy (P = 0.0241) were significantly greater in the BTS group. Perineural invasion (PNI) was noted in 59.1 and 18.2 % of the BTS group and ES group patients, respectively (P = 0.0053). OPNI and serum albumin decreased significantly after stenting (P = 0.0084).

CONCLUSIONS

The advantages of stenting as a BTS were that it avoided colostomy and allowed for laparoscopic surgery and lymphadenectomy, whereas its disadvantage lay in the decreased PNI and OPNI levels. A larger study including an analysis of prognosis is warranted.

Evidence-based Clinical Management of Acute Malignant Colorectal Obstruction

Acute malignant colorectal obstruction (AMCO) is an emergency associated with colorectal cancer (CRC). Emergency surgery is standard therapy for AMCO, and 1-stage surgery without colostomy is preferable, but it is occasionally difficult in the emergency setting. A self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS) enables noninvasive colonic decompression and subsequent 1-stage surgery, which has been widely applied for CRC with AMCO. However, recent accumulation of high-quality evidence has highlighted some problems and the limited efficacy of SEMS for AMCO. In palliative settings, SEMS placement reduces hospital stay and short-term complication rates, whereas it increases the frequency of long-term complications, such as delayed perforation. SEMS placement does not seem compatible with recent standard chemotherapy including bevacizumab. As a bridge to surgery, while SEMS placement provides a lower clinical success rate than emergency surgery, it can facilitate primary anastomosis without stoma. However, evidence regarding long-term survival outcomes with SEMS in both palliative and bridge to surgery settings is lacking. The efficacy of transanal colorectal tube placement, another endoscopic treatment, has been reported, but its clinical evidence level is low due to the limited number of studies. This review article comprehensively summarizes the current knowledge about surgical and endoscopic management of CRC with AMCO.

Colonic stent as bridge to surgery in patients with obstructive left-sided colon cancer

Objective:

We assessed the optimal time interval between endoscopic stenting and subsequent surgery in patients with obstructive left-sided colon cancer.

Methods:

We reviewed the medical records of patients who underwent endoscopic colonic stenting for obstructive left-sided colon cancer between January 2009 and January 2012. Patients who had successful endoscopic intervention as a bridge to surgery were included in the study. Other variables studied were the duration between endoscopic stenting and surgery, the reobstruction rate, the stoma creation rate, the anastomotic leak rate, and the in-hospital mortality rate.

Results:

The medical records of 53 patients who underwent endoscopic stenting for obstructive left-sided colon cancer were reviewed, and 43 were included in the study. The median duration between endoscopic stenting and surgery was 7 days (range, 5–33).

Conclusion:

A median duration of 7 to 9 days after endoscopic stenting in patients with obstructive left-sided colon cancer is enough time to subsequently perform a safe surgical procedure. Extending this duration may expose the patient to the risk of reobstruction and emergency surgery.

Self-expandable metallic stent as a bridge to elective surgery versus emergency surgery for acute malignant colorectal obstruction

BACKGROUD

The efficacy and safety of self-expandable metallic stents (SEMSs) as a bridge for patients with acute malignant colorectal obstructions (AMCOs) are still controversial. We conducted this study to evaluate the outcomes of patients with AMCOs treated by different strategies.

METHODS

From January 2010 to March 2014, a total of 171 patients with AMCOs from Zhongshan Hospital were retrospectively enrolled in this study. One hundred twenty patients successfully received stent placement followed by one-stage laparoscopic or open resection in the stent group, and 51 patients received emergency operations in the emergency group.

RESULTS

The operation duration and postoperative hospital stay were significantly shorter in the stent group (114.51 ± 28.65 vs. 160.39 ± 58.94 min, P < 0.001; 8.00 ± 3.97 vs. 12.59 ± 9.07 days, P = 0.001). The stent group also had significantly reduced intraoperative blood loss and the incidence of postoperative complications compared with the emergency group (61.00 ± 43.70 vs. 121.18 ± 85.90 ml, P < 0.001; 16.7 vs. 37.3%, P = 0.003). Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed that the median survival time in the stent group was significantly longer than that in the emergency group (53 vs. 41 months, P = 0.034). In subgroup analysis of stent group, the stent laparoscopy group had significantly decreased postoperative complications (P = 0.025), and similar long-term survival (P = 0.81).

CONCLUSIONS

Stent placement as a bridge to surgery is a safe and feasible procedure and provides significant advantages in terms of short-term outcomes and favorable prognoses for patients with AMCOs. Laparoscopic surgery could be considered as an optimal treatment after stent placement.

Stents for colorectal obstruction: Past, present, and future

Since the development of uncovered self-expanding metal stents (SEMS) in the 1990s, endoscopic stents have evolved dramatically. Application of new materials and new designs has expanded the indications for enteral SEMS. At present, enteral stents are considered the first-line modality for palliative care, and numerous types of enteral stents are under development for extended clinical usage, beyond a merely palliative purpose. Herein, we will discuss the current status and the future development of lower enteral stents.