Palliative management of malignant duodenocolic fistula: Case report on endoscopic duodenal stent placement and its clinical implications.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE

Malignant duodenocolic fistulas are a rare but serious complication of advanced colorectal cancer. With the growing elderly population and increasing incidence of advanced colorectal cancer, there is a pressing need to explore palliative alternatives to complete resection, especially when a patient's overall health precludes extensive surgery.

CASE PRESENTATION

This case report presents a palliative approach involving luminal stent placement via gastroscopy in a patient with non-resectable, locally invasive colorectal cancer, resulting in a malignant duodenocolic fistula.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION

We discuss different palliative treatment strategies against malignant duodenocolic fistulas, including endoscopic luminal stent placement and specific technical aspects of this procedure, highlighting factors that may contribute to a successful clinical outcome.

CONCLUSION

Endoscopic stent placement can represent a minimally invasive palliative strategy to provide symptom relief in a patient with advanced colorectal cancer. Treatment strategy should be considered on a individual basis and in close consultation with the patient.