A clinical evaluation of endoscopically placed self-expanding metallic stents in patients with acute large bowel obstruction

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articlepeer-review

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Self-expanding metallic stents (SEMS) have since 1991 established themselves as an option in the treatment of large bowel obstruction. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of SEMS in management of acute colorectal obstructions at a Danish Surgical Gastroenterology center. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective review of charts from all patients who, in the period Marts 2002 to December 2007 underwent insertion of a SEMS for an acute large bowel obstruction. RESULTS: Of 45 patients included, SEMS was intended as a bridge to surgery in 20 patients and as palliation in 25 patients. For malignant etiology, the SEMS procedure was a technical and clinical success in 97.4% of the cases. Complications occurred in 21%, mortality rate 2,6%. For benign etiology, the SEMS procedure was a technical success in 85.7%, and a clinical success in 71.4%. Complications occurred in 71.4% of the benign cases with a mortality rate of 28,6%. CONCLUSIONS: Placement of SEMS for acute large bowel obstruction with malignant etiology is an effective and safe procedure with low mortality and morbidity. However results for benign obstructions are questionable and more research is needed to determine the role of SEMS.
Original languageEnglish
JournalScandinavian Journal of Surgery
Volume98
Issue number3
Pages (from-to)143-7
Number of pages5
ISSN1457-4969
Publication statusPublished - 2009

Bibliographical note

Keywords: Acute Disease; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Cohort Studies; Colorectal Neoplasms; Denmark; Endoscopy; Equipment Design; Female; Humans; Intestinal Obstruction; Male; Middle Aged; Retrospective Studies; Stents; Treatment Outcome

ID: 20341830