Self-expanding metal stents for treatment of anastomotic complications after colorectal resection.

Self-expanding metal stents (SEMS) can be used to treat patients with symptomatic anastomotic complications after colorectal resection. In the present case series, 16 patients with symptomatic anastomotic stricture after colorectal resection were treated with endoscopic placement of SEMS. Seven patients had a "simple" anastomotic stricture and nine patients had a fistula associated with the stricture. The anastomotic fistula healed without evidence of residual stricture or major fecal incontinence in seven of the nine patients. Overall the anastomotic stricture was resolved in 10 of the 16 patients. SEMS placement represents a valid adjunctive to treatment in patients with symptomatic anastomotic complications after colorectal resection for cancer.