Introduction: The treatment for malignant colonic obstruction usually consists in a diverting colostomy. The usefulness colorectal stent to resolve the occlusion is a new interesting application to prevent unnecessary operation.
Methods: From September 1999 to June 2005 73 patent underwent the positioning of colorectal stent for colorectal cancer or extrinsic compression under double fluoroscopic and endoscopic control. In 35 patient the stent was inserted as palliative measure, and 38 underwent stent as bridge to surgery.
Results: The placement of the stent was achieved in all patient, with 94% (69/73) of clinical success. Perforation occurred in two patient, one related to the guide wire and the other to balloon dilatation of the stent. Reobstruction occurred in 3 patient and migration in 9. The mortality after stent placement was 4.1% (3/73). We perform a colostomy or an ileostomy in 4 patient bridge to surgery and in 4 palliative, for a total of 8 stoma (10.95%).
Conclusion: The usefulness of colorectal stent can be consider an alternative to colostomy especially in unresectable patients.