Initial clinical experience with colonic stent placement.

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study is to review initial experience with a colonic stent as an alternative to colostomy in patients with colonic obstruction.

METHODS

Ten patients diagnosed with acute colonic obstructions from both benign and malignant causes underwent stent placement. Self-expandable metallic stents were deployed using fluoroscopic guidance. Patients were followed up clinically until removal of the stent or death.

RESULTS

Nine of the 10 patients who underwent colonic stent placement achieved clinical decompression within 6 hours. Six patients underwent standard mechanical bowel preparation and elective resection of obstructing lesions. The other 4 patients received stent placement for palliative purposes. Complications included 4 cases of migration and 1 death. Migrated stents in the rectum were easily retrieved and replaced using fluoroscopic techniques. There were no perforations.

CONCLUSION

Placement of self-expandable metallic stents for acute colonic obstructions may allow patients to undergo elective surgical resection avoiding possible colostomy.