A temporary self-expanding metallic stent for malignant colorectal obstruction

AIM:To investigate the clinical safety and efficacy of a temporary self-expanding metallic stent(SEMS) for malignant colorectal obstruction.METHODS:From September 2007 to June 2012,33 patients with malignant colorectal obstruction were treated with a temporary SEMS.The stent had a tubular configuration with a retrieval lasso attached inside the proximal end of the stent to facilitate its removal.The SEMS was removed one week after placement.Clinical examination,abdominal X-ray and a contrast study were prospectively performed and both initial and follow-up data before and at 1 d,1 wk,and 1 mo,3 mo,6 mo and 12 mo after stent placement were obtained.Data collected on the technical and clinical success of the procedures,complications,need for reinsertion and survival were analyzed.RESULTS:Stent placement and removal were technically successful in all patients with no procedurerelated complications.Post-procedural complications included stent migration(n = 2) and anal pain(n = 2).Clinical success was achieved in 31(93.9%) of 33 patients with resolution of bowel obstruction within 3 d of stent removal.Eleven of the 33 patients died 73.81 ± 23.66 d(range 42-121 d) after removal of the stent without colonic re-obstruction.Clinical success was achieved in another 8 patients without symptoms of obstruction during the follow-up period.Reinsertion of the stent was performed in the remaining 12 patients with re-obstruction after 84.33 ± 51.80 d of follow-up.The mean and median periods of relief of obstructive symptoms were 97.25 ± 9.56 d and 105 ± 17.43 d,respectively,using Kaplan-Meier analysis.CONCLUSION:Temporary SEMS is a safe and effective approach in patients with malignant colorectal obstruction due to low complication rates and good medium-term outcomes.