The efficacy of self-expanding metal stents for malignant colorectal obstruction by noncolonic malignancy with peritoneal carcinomatosis

Successful resection of colonic metastasis of lung cancer after colonic stent placement: A case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Although lung cancer can metastasize to various organs such as the liver, lymph nodes, adrenal gland, bone, and brain, metastases to the digestive organs, especially the colon, are rare.

CASE SUMMARY

An 83-year-old man diagnosed with lung cancer received radiation and chemoimmunotherapy, resulting in a complete clinical response. One year after the initial lung cancer diagnosis, the patient presented with obstructive ileus caused by a tumor in the descending colon. An elective left hemicolectomy was successfully performed after the endoscopic placement of a self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS). Pathologically, the tumor of the descending colon was diagnosed as lung cancer metastasis. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient is in good condition 13 mo after surgery, with no signs of recurrence. The previous 23 cases of surgical resection of colonic metastasis from lung cancer were reviewed using PubMed to characterize their clinicopathological features and outcomes.

CONCLUSION

SEMS is useful for obstructive colonic metastasis as a bridge to surgery to avoid emergency operations.

Self-expanding metal stents for the treatment of malignant colon obstruction from extra-colonic malignancy versus intra-colonic malignancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The relative utility of self-expanding metal stent (SEMS) insertion for malignant colon obstruction (MCO) due to extra-colonic malignancy (ECM) versus intra-colonic malignancy (ICM) is understudied.

METHODS

A systematic search was done from inception-April 2021 to identify reports of safety and efficacy of SEMS insertion for the treatment of MCO-ECM versus MCO-ICM. A meta-analysis of proportions, comparative meta-analysis to compute relative risks (RR), and mean differences (MD) was performed. Subgroup analyses and influence analyses were conducted. The certainty in estimates of effect(s) was assessed using the GRADE approach.

RESULTS

Eight non-randomized studies were identified; 46% (39-53%) and 63% (59-67%) of patients in the ECM and ICM groups were male. Most obstructions were in the rectosigmoid colon in both ECM and ICM groups. SEMS insertion in MCO-ECM was associated with an increased risk of technical failure compared to MCO-ICM (RR 2.92; 1.13-7.54; Certainty: Very Low). Risk of clinical failure of SEMS was higher in MCO-ECM compared to MCO-ICM (RR 2.88; 1.58-2.52; Certainty: Very Low). The risk of clinical failure remained significant throughout the influence analysis, as well as on subgroup analysis. There was no significant difference in the risk of adverse events or luminal perforation with SEMS insertion among patients with MCO-ECM and MCO-ICM. On influence analysis, removal of one study unveiled a significant increase in the risk of luminal perforation in MCO-ECM (RR 3.22; 1.44-7.19; p = 0.004).

CONCLUSION

SEMS for MCO-ECM may have a technical success rate comparable to or questionably worse than MCO-ICM, with low certainty in estimate of effects. SEMS deployment in MCO-ECM carries a higher risk of clinical failure, with a questionably higher risk of luminal perforation.

Over-the-catheter endoscope replacement for stenting in patients with inaccessible malignant colonic obstruction with coexisting peritoneal carcinomatosis

Although a large-caliber endoscope (LCE) is indispensable for through-the-scope placement of a self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS) in patients with malignant colonic obstruction (MCO), inaccessibility of the target obstructing lesion (TOL) by the endoscope is a significant cause of unsuccessful procedures. We herein present a novel salvage procedure when the TOL is not directly accessible by an LCE in conditions such as coexisting peritoneal carcinomatosis involving the colon. The salvage procedure, termed over-the-catheter endoscope replacement (OCER), starts with an ultraslim endoscope suitable for deep insertion beyond a tortuous colon for traversing a guidewire through the TOL. The ultraslim endoscope is then withdrawn and replaced by an LCE through the following steps. An endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography catheter is preloaded in the LCE, the catheter alone is passed over the guidewire already traversed through the TOL, and the LCE is navigated over the catheter as far as possible toward the TOL to deliver the SEMS delivery system in a standard through-the-scope manner or further in an over-the-wire manner even if LCE insertion is incomplete. Among the 165 patients with MCO who underwent stenting during our study period, OCER led to successful procedures in all nine patients whose TOLs were initially inaccessible because of colon-involving peritoneal carcinomatosis. By utilizing the functions of distinctive endoscopes in a unique and complementary way, OCER can be a practical salvage option for challenging cases of MCO that are highly prone to unsuccessful palliation by conventional SEMS placement.

The range and suitability of outcome measures used in the assessment of palliative treatment for inoperable malignant bowel obstruction: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Malignant bowel obstruction, a complication of certain advanced cancers, causes severe symptoms which profoundly affect quality of life. Clinical management remains complex, and outcome assessment is inconsistent.

AIM

To identify outcomes evaluating palliative treatment for inoperable malignant bowel obstruction, as part of a four-phase study developing a core outcome set.

DESIGN

The review is reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA); PROSPERO (ID: CRD42019150648). Eligible studies included at least one subgroup with obstruction below the ligament of Treitz undergoing palliative treatment for inoperable malignant bowel obstruction. Study quality was not assessed because the review does not evaluate efficacy.

DATA SOURCES

Medline, Embase, the Cochrane Database, CINAHL, PSYCinfo Caresearch, Open Grey and BASE were searched for trials and observational studies in October 2021.

RESULTS

A total of 4769 studies were screened, 290 full texts retrieved and 80 (13,898 participants) included in a narrative synthesis; 343 outcomes were extracted verbatim and pooled into 90 unique terms across six domains: physiological, nutrition, life impact, resource use, mortality and survival. Prevalent outcomes included adverse events (78% of studies), survival (54%), symptom control (39%) and mortality (31%). Key individual symptoms assessed were vomiting (41% of studies), nausea (34%) and pain (33%); 19% of studies assessed quality of life.

CONCLUSIONS

Assessment focuses on survival, complications and overall symptom control. There is a need for definitions of treatment 'success' that are meaningful to patients, a more consistent approach to symptom assessment, and greater consideration of how to measure wellbeing in this population.

A Palliative Approach to Management of Peritoneal Carcinomatosis and Malignant Ascites

In addition to severe, life-limiting complications such as malignant bowel obstruction, fistulae, and malignant ascites, peritoneal carcinomatosis frequently causes life-impacting symptoms such as pain, nausea, anorexia, cachexia, and fatigue. A variety of medical, interventional, and surgical therapies are now available for management of both complications and symptoms. Although surgery in this population is often associated with a relatively high risk of morbidity and mortality, operative intervention can offer effective palliative treatment in appropriately selected patients. Early involvement of palliative care specialists as part of a multidisciplinary team is essential to providing optimal, holistic care of patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis.

Considerations in the Management of Malignant Bowel Obstruction

Malignant bowel obstruction is a challenging clinical problem encountered in patients with advanced abdominal and pelvic malignancies. Although medical therapies form the foundation of management, some patients may be suitable candidates for surgical and procedural interventions. The literature is composed primarily of retrospective single-institution experiences and the results of prospective trials are pending. Given the high symptom burden and limited life expectancy of these patients, management may be best informed by multidisciplinary teams with relevant expertise.

Comparison of the efficacy of self-expandable metallic stents in colorectal obstructions caused by extracolonic malignancy and colorectal cancer

The current study aimed to compare the safety and effectiveness of self-expandable metallic stent placement among patients with extracolonic malignancy and those with colorectal cancer. Patient information, technical and clinical success rates and complication rates were compared between patients with colorectal cancer and extracolonic malignancy. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to compare the time elapsed before the onset of complications. Risk factors for re-obstruction in patients with self-expandable metallic stents were evaluated by multivariate analysis. A total of 68 patients who underwent self-expandable metallic stent placement at Saiseikai Niigata Hospital between January 2012 and September 2019 were included. The clinical success rate was significantly different between the colorectal cancer (96.6%) and extracolonic malignancy (66.7%) groups (P=0.01). The incidence of complications was significantly higher in the extracolonic malignancy group (66.7%) than in the colorectal cancer group (25.4%; P=0.02). Additionally, the time elapsed before the onset of complications was shorter in the extracolonic malignancy group than in the colorectal cancer group (P=0.0008). Risk factors for re-obstruction were higher in the extracolonic malignancy group [odds ratio, 7.76 (1.02-57.2)] than in the palliative stent placement group [odds ratio, 5.45 (1.01-29.5); P=0.04]. In extracolonic malignancy, self-expandable metallic stent placement was associated with lower clinical success rates and increased risk of complications. The time elapsed before the onset of complications was short, and extracolonic malignancy was a risk factor for re-obstruction, suggesting that the placement of self-expandable metallic stents for malignant colorectal obstruction in extracolonic malignancy is not optimal.

The Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland consensus guidelines in emergency colorectal surgery

AIM

There is a requirement for an expansive and up to date review of the management of emergency colorectal conditions seen in adults. The primary objective is to provide detailed evidence-based guidelines for the target audience of general and colorectal surgeons who are responsible for an adult population and who practise in Great Britain and Ireland.

METHODS

Surgeons who are elected members of the Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland Emergency Surgery Subcommittee were invited to contribute various sections to the guidelines. They were directed to produce a pathology-based document using literature searches that were systematic, comprehensible, transparent and reproducible. Levels of evidence were graded. Each author was asked to provide a set of recommendations which were evidence-based and unambiguous. These recommendations were submitted to the whole guideline group and scored. They were then refined and submitted to a second vote. Only those that achieved >80% consensus at level 5 (strongly agree) or level 4 (agree) after two votes were included in the guidelines.

RESULTS

All aspects of care (excluding abdominal trauma) for emergency colorectal conditions have been included along with 122 recommendations for management.

CONCLUSION

These guidelines provide an up to date and evidence-based summary of the current surgical knowledge in the management of emergency colorectal conditions and should serve as practical text for clinicians managing colorectal conditions in the emergency setting.

Covered Metal Stent after Dysfunction of Uncovered Stents for Palliation of Gastrointestinal Malignant Obstruction

Background

Self-expanding metal stents (SEMS) have been used for the palliative treatment of malignant gastrointestinal tract obstruction. However, restenosis or incomplete expansion of a first stent is a frequent complication, and the effectiveness of reintervention with placement of a second stent is still controversial.

Objective

To evaluate the clinical outcomes of covered SEMS (cSEMS) placement after dysfunction of uncovered SEMS (uSEMS) by the stent-in-stent technique.

Patients and Methods

We retrospectively studied a consecutive series of patients receiving palliative treatment for malignant gastrointestinal obstruction with cSEMS placement after uSEMS dysfunction in a tertiary center from January 2013 to August 2018. Technical and clinical success, time of patency, and adverse events were analyzed.

Results

Twelve patients were included; their mean age was 60 ± 9 years. Eleven patients had gastric outlet obstruction, and 1 patient had compression of the transverse colon due to gastric neoplasia. In 5 cases, there was absence of early clinical success with uSEMS and stent dysfunction in 7 cases (median patency time: 81 days). There was 100% technical success and 91.7% clinical success after cSEMS placement. There were no adverse events nor need for reintervention. The median patency time after placement of both stents was 163 days (vs. 71 days with the initial stent).

Conclusion

cSEMS placement after uSEMS dysfunction is technically feasible and a clinically effective treatment for patients with recurrent malignant gastrointestinal obstruction, with good stent patency in the medium/long term. This approach seems to be safe and without increase in adverse effects.

Efficacy of uncovered colonic stents for extrinsic versus intrinsic malignant large bowel obstruction

BACKGROUND

Previous studies evaluating self-expandable metal stents (SEMS) for management of malignant extrinsic colon obstruction have yielded conflicting results. We evaluated the efficacy of uncovered SEMS for extrinsic colon malignancy (ECM) versus intrinsic colon malignancy (ICM).

METHODS

Retrospective review of all patients referred for colonic SEMS at a tertiary cancer center between 2007 and 2018 was performed. Primary outcome measures were technical success, clinical success, intervention rate, and overall survival.

RESULTS

138 patients with ECM and 119 patients with ICM underwent attempted stent placement. The rectum and/or sigmoid colon was the most common stricture site. Technical success was lower in the ECM group [86% vs 96% (p = .009)]. Clinical success was lower in the ECM group both at 7 days [82% vs 95% (p = .004)] and at 90 days [60% vs 86% (p < .001)]. Subsequent intervention was required more frequently [44% vs 35%; p = .23] and earlier [median 9 vs 132 days; p < .001] in the ECM group. Median overall survival in the ECM group was 92 vs 167 days. Among predictive variables analyzed, the ECM group had a higher frequency of peritoneal metastasis (87% vs 32%; p < .001), multifocal strictures with requirement for multiple stents (20% vs 6%; p = .002), sharp angulated strictures (39% vs 25%; p = .04) , and radiation therapy (21% vs 10%; p = .02).

CONCLUSIONS

Colonic SEMS for ECM is associated with lower technical and clinical success with earlier intervention rates compared with ICM. Our findings can be used to better inform patients and referring providers as well as guide new stent design to enhance efficacy in this population.

Stent Placement for Palliative Treatment of Malignant Colorectal Obstruction: Extracolonic Malignancy Versus Primary Colorectal Cancer

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study is to compare the clinical outcomes of stent placement for the palliative treatment of colorectal obstruction in patients with extracolonic malignancy (ECM) versus those with primary colorectal cancer (CRC) and to identify the risk factors for stent failure. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Between January 2005 and December 2017, a total of 85 patients underwent stent placement for the palliative treatment of inoperable malignant colorectal obstructions caused by ECM (n = 56) or CRC (n = 29). Technical and clinical success, reintervention rates, and stent patency were compared between the two groups. Predictive factors associated with stent failure were identified. RESULTS. Stent placement was technically successful in 54 patients with ECM (96.4%) and 27 patients with CRC (93.1%) (p = 0.60). The proportion of patients with ECM who required reintervention was greater than that of patients with CRC (20.4% vs 3.7%, respectively; p = 0.04); however, they had a marginally lower clinical success rate (88.9% vs 100.0%, respectively; p = 0.07). The 6- and 12-month stent patency rates were 64.2% and 22.0%, respectively, in patients with ECM and 68.4% and 31.3%, respectively, in patients with CRC (p = 0.89). Long obstructions (hazard ratio, 1.40) and multiple obstructions (hazard ratio, 4.03) were independent factors associated with stent failure. CONCLUSION. Stent placement for the palliative treatment of colorectal obstruction is less effective and more frequently requires reintervention in patients with ECM than in patients with CRC. Long obstructions and multiple obstructions were associated with stent failure.

Stenting as a bridge to surgery for extra-colonic malignancy induced colorectal obstruction: preliminary experience

Background

The majority of colonic obstructions result from colorectal cancer. However, malignancies of extra-colonic origin can also disrupt colorectal patency, and the efficacy of self-expanding metal stents (SEMS) insertion as a bridge to surgery in these patients are still in debate. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of endoscopic stenting as a bridge to surgery (BTS) for extra-colonic malignancy (ECM)-induced colonic obstruction.

Methods

Thirty-three patients with colonic obstruction due to ECM who received self-expanding metal stents (SEMS) insertion at a single academic tertiary medical center between 2004 and 2015 were included. The purpose of SEMS insertion was determined based on whether the patient’s medical records indicated any surgical plans before SEMS insertion. Technical success was defined as a patent SEMS covering the entire length of the obstruction. Bridging success was defined as elective surgical procedures after the first SEMS insertion.

Results

Among the 33 patients who underwent SEMS insertion for colorectal obstruction due to ECM, nine underwent SEMS as a BTS. Technical success was achieved in 100% (9/9). Seven patients underwent elective surgery after successful decompression with the first SEMS, and the bridging success rate was 77.8% (7/9). Two patients needed secondary stent insertion before elective surgery. However, none of them required emergent surgery. No major complications occurred, including death related to colorectal endoscopic procedures, perforation, or bleeding.

Conclusion

SEMS insertion as a BTS is a good treatment option to avoid emergent surgery in patients with colonic obstruction caused by extra-colonic malignancy.

Endoscopic stenting in colorectal cancer

Acute malignant large bowel obstruction presents as one of the few emergencies of colorectal cancer (CRC). Management of this condition can either be by (I) upfront surgery or (II) the use of self-expanding metallic stent (SEMS) as a bridge to elective surgery. For patients with metastasis, the use of SEMS is reported to enable earlier commencement of chemotherapy. Although the use of SEMS in patients with acute malignant large bowel obstruction looks promising, it is plagued by its own set of complications and divided opinion over its long-term outcomes. Conflicting data are present, and definitive indication requires further evaluation and debate. This article will describe the typical presentation of patients with acute malignant large bowel obstruction. An introduction to the SEMS insertion procedural steps will be undertaken. Following which the article aims to review the safety profile of SEMS and the short- and long-term outcomes of SEMS in both the curative and palliative setting.

Palliative Management of Advanced Peritoneal Carcinomatosis

Despite advances in the management of peritoneal carcinomatosis, morbidity remains high with survival often measured in weeks to months. Patients are often subjected to symptoms and complications that impact quality of life. Much of the management revolves around palliation of symptoms and providing support and resources to address emotional and existential concerns. This article reviews surgical and nonsurgical palliative treatments for the symptoms and complications associated with advanced, incurable peritoneal carcinomatosis. It is important that providers caring for patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis be knowledgeable in the palliative management of this condition, including the usefulness of early palliative care referral.

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.

Palliative Management of Peritoneal Metastases

Despite significant recent advances in the management of peritoneal carcinomatosis, this diagnosis still is accompanied frequently by a grim survival prognosis, often measured in weeks to months. The poor prognosis also is accompanied often by complications and symptoms that have a dramatic impact on quality of life and are challenging to the managing health care provider and devastating to loved ones caring for the person who is suffering. Consequently, management of carcinomatosis often revolves around palliation of symptoms such as bowel obstruction, nausea, pain, fatigue, and cachexia as well as emotional and existential concerns. This article reviews several palliative treatment options for some of the more common symptoms and complications associated with advanced, incurable peritoneal carcinomatosis. Although readers should recognize that carcinomatosis is no longer an imminent death sentence, providers caring for patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis also must be well-versed in the palliative management of this condition and recognize the utility of early palliative care referral in this setting.

Colonoscopy: Advanced and Emerging Techniques-A Review of Colonoscopic Approaches to Colorectal Conditions

A complete colonoscopy is key in the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to a variety of colorectal diseases. Major challenges are incomplete polyp removal and missed polyps, particularly in the setting of a difficult colonoscopy. There are a variety of both well-established and newer techniques that have been developed to optimize polyp detection, perform complete polypectomy, and endoscopically treat various complications and conditions such as strictures and perforations. The objective of this article is to familiarize the colorectal surgeon with techniques utilized by advanced endoscopists.

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.

Looking up: Recent advances in understanding and treating peritoneal carcinomatosis

Until recently, a diagnosis of peritoneal carcinomatosis was uniformly accompanied by a grim prognosis that was typically measured in weeks to months. Consequently, the management of carcinomatosis revolves largely around palliation of symptoms such as bowel obstruction, nausea, pain, fatigue, and cachexia. A prior lack of effective treatment options created the nihilistic view that currently exists and persists despite improvements in the efficacy of systemic therapy and the evolution of multimodality approaches including surgery and intraperitoneal chemotherapy. This article reviews the evolution and current state of treatment options for patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis. In addition, it highlights recent advances in understanding the molecular biology of carcinomatosis and the focus of current and future clinical trials. Finally, this article provides practical management options for the palliation of common complications of carcinomatosis. It is hoped that the reader will recognize that carcinomatosis is no longer an imminent death sentence and that through continued research and therapeutic innovation, clinicians can make an even greater impact on this form of metastatic cancer.

Colorectal stenting: An advanced approach to malignant colorectal obstruction

Some colorectal cancer (CRC) patients present symptoms of bowel obstruction, which is considered a surgical emergency. Because of poor medical condition and high incidence of post-surgical complications, there has been increasing use of self-expanding metal stents (SEMS) for the purpose of palliation or as a bridge to surgery with some benefits, including shorter hospital stays, lower rates of adverse events, and one-stage surgery. However, with increasing survival of CRC patients, there have been controversial data on clinical outcomes and complications, compared between SEMS use and surgery for treatment of malignant bowel obstruction. We review recent clinical data on clinical outcomes of SEMS use compared to surgery, including complications.

Endoscopic stenting for recurrence-related colorectal anastomotic site obstruction: Preliminary experience

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of stents in treating patients with anastomotic site obstructions due to cancer recurrence following colorectal surgery.

METHODS: The medical records of patients who underwent endoscopic self-expanding metal stents (SEMS) insertion for colorectal obstructions between February 2004 and January 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. During the study period, a total of 218 patients underwent endoscopic stenting for colorectal obstructions. We identified and examined the patients who underwent endoscopic stenting for obstructions caused by cancer recurrence at the anastomotic site following colorectal surgeries for primary colorectal cancer.

RESULTS: Five consecutive patients [mean age, 56.4 years (range: 39-82 years); 4 women, 1 man] underwent endoscopic stenting for obstructions caused by cancer recurrence at the anastomotic site following colorectal surgeries for primary colorectal cancer. Technical and clinical success was achieved in all 5 patients, without any early complications. During follow-up, 3 patients did not need further intervention, prior to their death, after the first stent insertion; thus, the overall success rate was 3/5 (60%). Perforations occurred in 2 patients who required a second SEMS insertion due to re-obstruction; none of the patients experienced stent migration.

CONCLUSION: SEMS placement is a promising treatment option for patients who develop obstructions of their colonic anastomosis sites due to cancer recurrence.

Surgical failure after colonic stenting as a bridge to surgery

AIM: To identify risk factors for surgical failure after colonic stenting as a bridge to surgery in left-sided malignant colonic obstruction.

METHODS: The medical records of patients who underwent stent insertion for malignant colonic obstruction between February 2004 and August 2012 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with malignant colonic obstruction had overt clinical symptoms and signs of obstruction. Malignant colonic obstruction was diagnosed by computed tomography and colonoscopy. A total of 181 patients underwent stent insertion during the study period; of these, 68 consecutive patients were included in our study when they had undergone stent placement as a bridge to surgery in acute left-sided malignant colonic obstruction due to primary colon cancer.

RESULTS: Out of 68 patients, forty-eight (70.6%) were male, and the mean age was 64.9 (range, 38-89) years. The technical and clinical success rates were 97.1% (66/68) and 88.2% (60/68), respectively. Overall, 85.3% (58/68) of patients underwent primary tumor resection and primary anastomosis. Surgically successful preoperative colonic stenting was achieved in 77.9% (53/68). The mean duration, defined as the time between the SEMS attempt and surgery, was 11.3 d (range, 0-26 d). The mean hospital stay after surgery was 12.5 d (range, 6-55 d). On multivariate analysis, the use of multiple self-expanding metal stents (OR = 28.872; 95%CI: 1.939-429.956, P = 0.015) was a significant independent risk factor for surgical failure of preoperative stenting as a bridge to surgery. Morbidity and mortality rates in surgery after stent insertion were 4.4% (3/68) and 1.5% (1/68), respectively.

CONCLUSION: The use of multiple self-expanding metal stents appears to be a risk factor for surgical failure.