Palliation of malignant rectal obstruction with self-expanding metal stents

Item Type:	Article
Title:	Palliation of malignant rectal obstruction with self-expanding metal stents
Creators Name:	Huenerbein, M. and Krause, M. and Moesta, K.T. and Rau, B. and Schlag, P.M.
Abstract:	BACKGROUND: Surgical management of patients with metastatic or recurrent rectal cancer remains controversial. Self-expanding metal stents are increasingly used for palliative treatment of advanced tumors, although long-term results are not yet available. METHODS: Between 1996 and 2003, 521 patients underwent surgery for rectal neoplasms. In the same time period, self-expanding metal stents were used for palliation of 34 patients with malignant rectal obstruction and incurable disease. The outcome of the patients was analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: Rectal stents were successfully placed in 33 of 34 patients (97%) without major complications. Early failure occurred in 7 patients (21%) because of stent migration, pain, or incontinence. Long-term success with a mean patency of 5.3 months was observed in 26 patients (79%), but restenting was required in 2 patients. Despite the initial success of stenting, a colostomy was created in 2 other patients after 3.4 months and 9.2 months because of incontinence and rectovesical fistula. Overall, 6 of 33 patients (18%) underwent palliative surgery because of early complications (n = 4) or long-term failure of stent treatment (n = 2). CONCLUSIONS: Self-expanding metal stents are useful to avoid a colostomy in selected patients with incurable rectal cancer and limited life expectancy. Nonetheless, a considerable number (18%) of patients will require surgical palliation because of failure of stent treatment.
Keywords:	Colostomy, Intestinal Obstruction, Palliative Care, Rectal Neoplasms, Stents, Treatment Outcome
Source:	Surgery
ISSN:	0039-6060
Volume:	137
Page Range:	42-47
Date:	1 January 2005
Official Publication:	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.surg.2004.05.043
PubMed:	View item in PubMed

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