Preoperative Endoscopic Stent Application for Bridging or Palliative Purposes in Obstructive Left Colon and Rectal Tumors

INTRODUCTION[|]The outcomes of endoscopic enteral stent applications in left colon or rectal cancers were evaluated.[¤]METHODS[|]All patients who received stent application between January 2016 and December 2017 for obstructive left colon and rectal cancers were retrospectively evaluated. Demographic data, obstructed side, indications, technical and clinical success of the procedure, and also mortality and morbidity rates were recorded.[¤]RESULTS[|]Stents were successfully placed in 12 (85.7%) out of 14 cases. Eight cases received stents for bridge to elective surgery, whereas four had stents for palliative purposes. In one of the palliative cases, Hartman procedure was applied due to perforation at the proximal side of the stent after 3 months. The technical and clinical success rates were 85.7% and 91.7%, respectively. There was no mortality.[¤]DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION[|]Application of self-expanding metallic stent in patients with advanced stage obstructive colorectal cancer may be an alternative method compared with emergency surgeries. It can be safely and effectively performed and offers opportunities for palliative treatments and elective surgeries.[¤]