AIM

To investigate long-term outcomes after SEMS insertion in patients with malignant colorectal obstruction and to identify the risk factors for complications.

METHODS

The data of 119 patients with malignant colorectal obstruction who received SEMS insertion between March 2014 and February 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into two groups according to the intent of treatment, i.e., stenting as "bridge to surgery" (surgical group) and stenting for palliation (palliative group). Technical and clinical success rates and incidence of complications were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

The overall technical and clinical success rates were 97.5% and 96.6%, respectively. The technical and clinical success rates and complication rate were comparable between the two groups. In the palliative group, the mean stent patency time was 230 days. Patency rates were not significantly different between primary CRC and recurrent CRC. Incidence of complications was higher in the palliative group than in the surgical group. In multivariate analysis, chemotherapy before stent implantation may increase the risk of stent-related complications, whereas chemotherapy after stent implantation did not. Additionally, the factors independently associated with complications were female sex and preoperative chemotherapy.

CONCLUSIONS

SEMS under fluoroscopic guidance is a safe and effective treatment for malignant colorectal obstruction. For patients with resectable CRC, stent placement can serve as a bridge to elective surgery. It is worth noting that adjuvant chemotherapy between SEMS and surgery did not increase the complications. For patients with recurrent CRC, stent placement can relieve symptoms, alleviate pain, and improve quality of life.