Most patients with intestinal obstructions related to incurable colon cancer were able to avoid colostomies and enjoyed improved function when they received self-expanding metal colonic stents, Italian researchers said.
Among 201 consecutive patients treated with the stents, the procedure was judged to be clinically successful in 82% (95% CI 73% to 91%) after six months and in 66% (95% CI 40% to 91%) at one year, according to Gianpiero Manes, MD, of Ospedale Universitario L. Sacco in Milan, and colleagues.
“These data support the concept that colonic recanalization by means of self-expanding metal stents is effective, easy, and safe when performed by experienced endoscopists,” Manes and colleagues wrote in the October issue of Archives of Surgery.
On the other hand, 24 patients — including 15 showing short-term success — had major complications, mainly perforations or stent migrations, the researchers indicated.
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