Malignant colorectal obstruction. Palliative endoscopic treatment with self-expanding metallic stents

The Authors report their experience in the palliative management of malignant colorectal obstruction. Between June 2000 and April 2003 sixteen patients (11 men and 5 women, age range 63-82) were found suffering from malignant colorectal obstruction. In these patients it was not possible to perform definitive surgical treatment because of the old age, advanced neoplastic disease and poor health condition, colostomy was the only therapeutic option. Endoscopic self-expanding stents placement was performed as a definitive palliative method to treat colorectal obstructions caused by advanced and unresectable tumours. This procedure was performed under endoscopic and fluoroscopic control and neither analgesia nor sedation was administered during the procedure. Results: Stent placement was successful in 14 cases (87,5%) with relief of bowel obstruction within following 24 hours. Conclusions: It was possible to obtain a permanent intestinal canalization and other treatments weren’t necessary during the follow-up. The results obtained were similar to the data of literature.