Stenting for obstructing colorectal malignancy: an interim or definitive procedure

Background: The purpose of this paper is to review and report our experience with colorectal stenting in the management of malignant large bowel obstruction. Methods: Twelve consecutive patients with malignant left‐sided large bowel obstruction between June 1998 and January 2001 underwent insertion of self‐expanding metallic stents. One patient required two stents. Eight stents were inserted under fluoroscopic guidance, and five were inserted with combined fluoroscopic and endoscopic guidance. Patients were followed up until death, stent removal or the time of publication. Results: Thirteen stents were inserted. Eleven patients with acute large bowel obstruction had relief of obstruction with stenting, and one of these patients required a second stent because relief had been incomplete. One patient was stented in order to sub­sequently close a problematic stoma. Technical success was 92.9% and clinical success was 100%. Three patients proceeded to surgical resection. In nine patients, the stent was left as the definitive procedure. Of these, six patients have died within 4 months. Complications included one case of migration, one case of reobstruction, one intestinal haematoma and one case of cheesewiring. Conclusions: Colorectal stenting is an important treatment modality for malignant large bowel obstruction. It may be definitive treatment alone, or a bridge to elective surgical resection.     

Self‐expanding metallic stents for acute left‐sided large‐bowel obstruction: a review of 130 patients

Aim The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of self‐expanding metallic stent (SEMS) placement in acute left‐sided large‐bowel obstruction. Method From 1997 to 2008, 130 patients [mean 67 (SD 14.7)] underwent SEMS insertion for acute left‐sided large‐bowel obstruction. One‐hundred and one procedures were palliative, and 29 patients underwent stent insertion as a bridge for surgery. The success rate and the outcome were analysed. Results The chief causes of obstruction were primary (67%) and recurrent (16%) colorectal carcinoma. The success rate was 88% after insertion of the first stent. In nine patients, insertion of a second stent was required. Complications occurred in 20% of the insertions, with migration (10.8%) being the most common. Perforation occurred in two patients and one developed a colovesical fistula. In patients with palliative stenting, 14 (13.9%) required subsequent surgery, with a stoma placed in all except three. Among the 29 patients who underwent SEMS insertion as a bridge to surgery, subsequent surgical resection was performed in 26 patients at a mean interval of 12 days (SD 18.0). Primary anastomosis was performed in 24 patients. The mean survival for those who underwent SEMS insertion as a bridge to surgery was 40 (95% confidence interval: 24–55) months. Conclusion SEMS placement is safe and effective in relieving acute left‐sided colonic obstruction. It allows subsequent definitive surgery on an elective setting and also serves as good palliation for advanced or disseminated disease.     

Combination endo‐radiological colorectal stenting: a prospective 5‐year clinical evaluation

Objective Self‐expanding metallic stents have found increasing use in the palliation of malignant large‐bowel obstruction or as a ‘bridge to surgery’ to facilitate a planned operative procedure. We describe a 5‐year experience of using the combined endoscopic/fluoroscopic through‐the‐scope method of stent placement in a tertiary referral centre. Method A prospective database of patients referred for colorectal stenting was compiled. Technical success, clinical success (decompression) and procedure‐related complications were measured as end‐points. Results Sixty‐three patients underwent 71 stenting procedures; 39 (62%) patients were male and the median age of patients was 78 years; 32 patients had metastatic disease and seven strictures were due to extrinsic compression. The indication for stenting was palliation in 56 patients and preoperative in seven patients. There was a technical success rate of 91% and a clinical success rate of 89%. Complications occurred in 24% of the cohort: overgrowth, (8%), migration (6%), fistulation (4%), stent fracture (3%), tenesmus (3%) and faecal urgency (1%). There was no procedure‐related death within the cohort and no technical failures proximal to the descending colon. Conclusion Combination endoscopic/fluoroscopic colorectal stenting is effective and safe. It may be particularly useful in the stenting of more proximal colonic strictures.     

Management of acute malignant large-bowel obstruction with self-expanding metal stent

Background Colorectal stents are being used for palliation and as a “bridge to surgery” in obstructing colorectal carcinoma. The purpose of this study was to review our experience with self-expanding metal stents (SEMS) as the initial interventional approach in the management of acute malignant large bowel obstruction. Methods Between February 2002 and May 2006, 67 patients underwent the insertion of a SEMS for an obstructing malignant lesion of the left-sided colon or rectum. Results In 55 patients, the stents were placed for palliation, whereas in 12 they were placed as a bridge to surgery. Stent placement was technically successful in 92.5% (n = 62), with a clinical success rate of 88% (n = 59). Two perforations that occurred during stent placement we retreated by an emergency Hartmann operation. In intention-to-treat by stent, the peri-interventional mortality was 6% (4/67). Stent migration was reported in 3 cases (5%), and stent obstruction occurred in 8 cases (13.5%). Of the nine patients with stents successfully placed as a bridge to surgery, all underwent elective single-stage operations with no death or anastomotic complication. Conclusions Stent insertion provided an effective outcome in patients with malignant colonic obstruction as a palliative and preoperative therapy.     

Management of obstructive colorectal cancer with endoscopic stenting followed by single-stage surgery: open or laparoscopic resection?

BACKGROUND: About one-third of patients with colorectal carcinoma present with acute colonic obstruction requiring emergency surgery. Current surgical options are intraoperative lavage and resection of the colonic segment involved with primary anastomosis, subtotal colectomy with primary anastomosis, colostomy followed by resection, and resection of the colonic segment involved with end colostomy (Hartmann's procedure) requiring a second operation to reconstruct the colon. These procedures present risks and a poor quality of life. Endoscopic colonic stent insertion can effectively decompress the obstructed colon, allowing bowel preparation and elective resection. METHODS: The authors present their experience managing 31 patients with obstructing colorectal cancer who underwent endoscopic colonic decompression with self-expanding metallic stents. A total of 16 patients were treated with open resection, and 6 underwent a laparoscopic resection. The remaining 9 patients were managed with endoscopic palliation and adjuvant therapy. Of the 31 patients, 17 were treated with postoperative chemotherapy. RESULTS: The mean interval between stenting and surgery was 11 days (range, 1-21 days). There was no intraoperative morbidity. The incidence of postoperative morbidity was 20% for open surgery and 0% for laparoscopic surgery. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 13 days for the open surgery group, and 7 days for the laparoscopic group (p = 0.003). The hospital mortality rate was 3.2%. Follow-up evaluation was completed for 96% of the patients. The minimum follow-up period was 15 months. All the patients in the palliative group died of disease, with a median survival of 3 months. Of the 22 surgically treated patients, 17 (77%) are alive at this writing. CONCLUSION: This initial experience shows that after successful endoscopic stenting of malignant colorectal obstruction, elective surgical resection can be performed safely. The presence of the endoluminal stent does not prevent a laparoscopic approach. The combined endoscopic and laparoscopic procedures are a less invasive alternative to the multistage open operations and offer a faster recovery.     

超细内镜联合腹腔镜在急性左半结肠恶性梗阻中的应用

目的:评价超细内镜联合腹腔镜在急性左半结肠恶性梗阻应用中的安全性和有效性。方法:回顾性分析2013年1—9月收治的11例急性左半结肠恶性梗阻患者临床资料。先通过超细内镜引导下置入肠道支架,解除梗阻,再行腹腔镜结直肠癌根治一期吻合术。结果:11例患者均成功置入结肠支架,病变部位包括结肠脾区1例、降结肠2例、乙降结肠交界4例、乙状结肠2例、直乙状结肠交界2例。9例患者在支架置入后接受了根治性手术,2例因肝转移实施姑息性手术。术后1例切口感染,1例肺部感染,1例吻合口出血,均经保守治疗后好转。结论:术前肠道支架减压联合腹腔镜一期吻合手术是治疗急性左半结肠恶性梗阻安全有效的方法。     

自膨胀型金属支架治疗晚期结直肠癌合并急性肠梗阻的临床初步研究

目的:探讨经结肠镜配合X线下置入钛镍记忆合金支架治疗晚期结直肠癌合并急性肠梗阻的安全性与临床疗效。方法:对35例晚期结直肠癌合并急性肠梗阻的患者行永久性支架置入术姑息治疗(支架组),以35例接受传统结肠造瘘手术的同类患者作为对照组,比较两组的手术成功率及临床疗效。结果:支架组放置成功率为100%,并发症发生率为8.57%(术后发生1例肠穿孔,2例支架再梗阻),患者术后即可下床活动,不需人工肛门,随访1年生存率为94.2%;对照组手术成功率100%,并发症发生率为31.42%(术后5例肺部感染,5例切口感染,1例腹腔感染),随访1年生存率为97.1%。两组患者术后肠梗阻均完全缓解,但支架组与对照比较,肠道梗阻缓解迅速,生活质量明显改善,费用更低,并发症发生率低,差异均有统计学意义(均P0.05)。结论:结肠镜配合X线下置入钛镍记忆合金支架治疗结直肠癌恶性梗阻是一种简单可行、安全有效、并发症少的姑息性治疗手段,能减轻患者痛苦、提高生活质量,并且患者可获得与外科手术相当的生存时间。     

Treatment of acute malignant colorectal obstruction with self-expandable metallic stents

Background: Malignant left‐sided large bowel obstruction from intraluminal and extrinsic causes constitutes a surgical emergency. When conservative measures fail, emergent surgery is usually required, which carries increased morbidity and mortality compared with elective resections. In many situations, a stoma is created and further surgery may be required later to re‐establish bowel continuity. We present an initial series of patients in whom self‐expandable metallic stents (SEMS) were deployed to allow bowel decompression in place of emergency surgery for acute left‐sided colorectal obstruction. Methods: From April 1999 to January 2001, patients who were admitted to the colorectal unit with clinical and radiological features of intestinal obstruction were considered for endolumenal stenting. Stenting was performed under radiological guidance. Results: Sixteen patients underwent endolumenal stenting (age range: 23?90 years, eight men and eight women). There were two technical failures, two delayed perforations and one sealed perforation related to the stent. Three patients underwent elective resection and anastomosis after successful bowel decompression and mechanical bowel preparation. Eight patients with advanced malignancy or multiple medical disease had good bowel decompression after stent deployment and did not undergo any surgery. Conclusion: SEMS is a useful alternative in the management of acute left‐sided colorectal obstruction for a select group of patients. An algorithm for management of acute left‐sided large bowel obstruction incorporating the use of SEMS is proposed.     

Bowel function following insertion of self-expanding metallic stents for palliation of colorectal cancer

Objective Self‐expanding metallic stents (SEMS) are an important addition to the treatment of large bowel obstruction. The aim of this study was firstly to assess bowel function following SEMS placement and secondly to identify any potential factors which might aid in the prediction of technical failure of stent insertion. Methods A review of all patients undergoing attempted SEMS placement for palliation of malignant left‐sided colorectal obstruction over a four‐year period (1st May 2000–30th April 2004) was performed. Results Twenty‐one patients (12 male) with a median age of 76 years (range 48–92 years) were included, 11 with metastatic disease and 10 severe comorbidity. SEMS insertion was technically successful in 16 (76%) of 21 cases. Contrast successfully passed through the obstructing lesion in all 16 cases where SEMS placement was technically successful. It only passed through 1 of 5 cases where stenting was not possible (P = 0.0008, Fisher's Exact test). Complications included colonic perforation (1 case), stent migration (1 case) and tumour ingrowth requiring a second stent (1 case). Median survival after SEMS was 12 months (range 1–30 months), and 9 patients died during follow‐up. Median bowel frequency following SEMS was 3.5 times per day (range 1–7). Eight patients always passed a liquid stool, 3 others regularly required laxatives and one further patient with poor function after stenting requested a defunctioning stoma. Conclusion Failure of contrast to pass through the obstructing lesion may predict those cases where stenting will not be technically possible. Median survival following SEMS insertion is encouraging in this series, but bowel function is often poor. Expected bowel function should be discussed fully when consenting patients for a SEMS, particularly those with metastatic disease who are otherwise fit for resectional surgery.     

Colorectal stenting for malignant obstruction: an 8-year clinical experience

Background: A substantial percentage of patients with colorectal cancer present with obstructive symptoms. In such patients, surgery is often required and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Colorectal stenting is an increasingly commonplace alternative with potentially fewer risks than open surgery. We present our clinical experience over an 8‐year period with colorectal stenting in a major tertiary Australian hospital. Methods: From 2000 to 2008, patients undergoing colorectal stenting were identified via medical records. Clinical data collected included patient demographics, tumour type, extent of metastatic disease, stent characteristics, technical and clinical success, acute and chronic complications, and long‐term follow‐up status. Results: Thirty‐five patients (69 ± 13 years, 25 male) received a total of 39 stents. Technical success was achieved in 37 (95%), and clinical relief of obstruction was achieved in 34 (89%). One case was complicated by perforation at the time of procedure and three cases experienced delayed perforation. Reintervention was required in 17% of patients, all of whom had less than 50% hepatic volume replacement by metastatic disease. Conclusions: Colorectal stenting is a feasible and safe alternative for patients presenting with obstructive symptoms but the benefit may be restricted to patients with a short expected survival.     

Comparison of colonic stenting and open surgery for malignant large bowel obstruction

Background Colonic stents potentially offer effective palliation for those with bowel obstruction attributable to incurable malignancy, and a “bridge to surgery” for those in whom emergency surgery would necessitate a stoma. The current study compared the outcomes of stents and open surgery in the management of malignant large bowel obstruction. Methods A literature search of the Medline, Ovid, Embase and Cochrane databases was performed to identify comparative studies reporting outcomes on colonic stenting and surgery for large bowel obstruction. Random effects meta-analytical techniques were applied to identify differences in outcomes between the two groups. Sensitivity analysis of high quality studies, those reporting on more than 35 patients, those solely concerning colorectal cancer and studies performing intention to treat analysis was undertaken to evaluate the study heterogeneity. Results A total of 10 studies satisfied the criteria for inclusion, with outcomes reported for 451 patients. Stent insertion was attempted for 244 patients (54.1%), and proved successful for 226 (92.6%). The length of hospital stay was shorter by 7.72 days in the stent group (p < 0.001), which also had lower mortality (p = 0.03) and fewer medical complications (p < 0.001). Stoma formation at any point during management was significantly lower than in the stent group (odds ratio, 0.02; p < 0.001), and “bridging to surgery” did not adversely influence survival. Conclusions Colonic stenting offers effective palliation for malignant bowel obstruction, with short lengths of hospital stay and a low rate for stoma formation, but data on quality of life and economic evaluation are limited. There is no evidence of differences in long-term survival between those who have stents followed by subsequent resection and those undergoing emergency bowel resection. This paper was presented as an oral presentation at the Scientific Session of the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons, Dallas, Texas, USA, 28th April 2006     

内镜介入治疗胃肠道癌性梗阻

目的 探讨经内镜介入治疗胃肠道癌性梗阻的可行性与临床疗效。方法 总结分析在X线辅助下经内镜介入治疗32例胃肠道癌性梗阻患者的临床资料。结果 32例患者梗阻部位分别为胃出口8例、十二指肠7例、直肠13例、乙状结肠4例。30例（93．7％）放置支架成功，术后1—3d梗阻症状均得到缓解或消除。其中15例胃出口及十二指肠梗阻均为永久性姑息治疗；15例结直肠梗阻中，12例为姑息治疗，3例经内镜治疗解除梗阻后行Ⅰ期肿瘤切除术。1例直肠癌术后复发伴盆腔广泛转移者治疗失败，1例乙状结肠癌广泛转移者术中穿孔而急诊行Hartmann术。随访期间，未发现支架移位；有1例放置十二指肠支架者，术后2个月肿瘤浸润支架远端导致梗阻复发，置入第2根支架后缓解。结论 经内镜介入治疗胃肠道癌性梗阻是一种简单可行、经济有效、并发症少的方法。     

胆道、十二指肠支架置入治疗胆道合并十二指肠恶性梗阻

目的探讨胆道支架、十二指肠支架置入治疗胆道合并十二指肠恶性梗阻的临床价值。方法2008年1月～2013年12月,对24例同时存在胆道和十二指肠恶性梗阻的患者完成胆道支架、十二指肠支架置入,其中介入中心10例患者行经皮肝穿刺造影完成胆道金属支架置入（percutaneoustranshepaticinsertionofbiliarystent,PTIBS）,14例消化内镜中心患者行逆行胰胆管造影放置胆道金属支架（endoscopicretrogradecholangiopancreatography—guidedbiliarystent,ERCP．BS）,其中1例失败后改行经皮肝穿刺胆管外引流术不纳入随访研究。胆管支架置入术后1周完成十二指肠支架置入。观察手术成功率、临床症状缓解率、并发症、支架通畅时间及患者生存期等指标。结果联合支架置入成功率95．8％（23／24）,梗阻症状消失率87．0％（20／23）;十二指肠支架置入术后1周胃出口梗阻评分（2分6例,3分17例）较术前（O分6例,1分17例）明显改善（Z=-4．796,P=0．000）。胆道支架通畅时间（73．9±5．3）d,生存时间（93．0±4．9）d。十二指肠支架再发梗阻率17．4％（4／23）。均未出现严重并发症。结论胆道、十二指肠支架联合置入治疗恶性胆道、十二指肠梗阻安全有效。     

Outcomes of endoluminal stenting for distal colorectal cancer: An institutional experience

Aim: The present article aims to review the results of the use of the self‐expanding metallic stent (SEMS) in our institution for distal colorectal tumours, defined as tumours distal to the splenic flexure. Patients and methods: SEMS was selectively offered to the following patients with distal colorectal tumours: (i) patients with clinically obstructed tumours; (ii) patients undergoing palliative treatment; and (iii) patients planned for neoadjuvant chemotherapy. All data, including outcomes and complications, were entered prospectively into a database. A review was carried out for those patients who underwent endoluminal stenting between February 2002 and August 2008. Results: Sixty‐eight patients were evaluated with a median age of 68 years (range 39–91). The median follow up was 11 months. Of these, 53 patients received emergency stenting for acute intestinal obstruction, 12 had palliative stenting for endoscopically obstructive cancer and three had pre‐emptive stenting of locally advanced, stenotic rectal cancer before neoadjuvant chemo‐irradiation. The overall technical success and clinical success rates were 81% and 65%, respectively. Complications included four stent‐related perforations (5.9%) and seven distal migrations (10.3%). Twenty‐seven patients from the intestinal obstruction group and the three patients from the neoadjuvant chemo‐irradiation group subsequently underwent laparoscopic tumour resection with success. Conclusion: In conclusion, our experience showed that SEMS is a useful adjunct in the management of distal colorectal cancer. Apart from being an alternative measure for palliation, SEMS is an effective and non‐invasive way for relieving obstruction in patients with obstructed tumours, allowing them to undergo subsequent one‐stage laparoscopic tumour resection. It is also useful in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer, in whom neoadjuvant chemo‐irradiation is planned.     

自膨式金属支架植入术治疗急性左半结直肠癌性梗阻

目的探讨内镜联合透视下自膨式金属支架植入术治疗急性左半结直肠癌性梗阻的应用价值。方法回顾性分析接受内镜联合透视下自膨式金属支架植入术治疗的49例左半结直肠癌性梗阻患者的临床资料。结果于48例患者成功植入支架,技术成功率为97.96%(48/49);1例因导丝无法通过狭窄段而转为外科急诊手术。植入支架后,47例梗阻症状明显改善;1例未改善而转为外科急诊手术。术后1例发生肠穿孔,5例便中带少量鲜血,经对症治疗后均好转;2例发生支架脱落。21例患于植入支架解除肠梗阻后接受结肠癌根治术,Ⅰ期手术成功率100%(21/21)。结论内镜联合透视下自膨式金属支架植入术解除左半结直肠癌性梗阻安全、有效。     

Endoscopic treatment of acute colorectal obstruction with self-expandable metallic stents

Background The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and security of treatment with self-expandable metallic stents for acute colonic obstruction. Methods Retrospectively, we analyzed our experience in placing colonic stents in patients with acute colonic obstruction. Sixty-two patients with malignant colon obstruction were sent to our hospital endoscopic unit from February 1999 through September 2003. The mean age was 75.21 years. A total of 63 self-expandable metallic stents were implanted. All procedures were done under endoscopic and fluoroscopic guidance. Results Technical success was obtained in 58 patients (93.54%). Clinical improvement and resolution of the obstruction were confirmed in 56 of these 58 patients (96.55%) within 48–72 h. Sixteen complications were observed in 11 patients (19%). Twelve cases were minor complications: five patients had pain and rectal tenesmus, and there were seven cases of distal migration of the stent. Four patients (6.9%) had severe complications. Three patients underwent surgery to resolve colonic perforations and one patient developed a colovesical fistula 7 months after stent placement. The stent was used as a bridge to the elective surgery in 22 patients (37.93%). The mean time between stent placement and surgery was 7.66 days (range, 2–20). The stent was used as a definitive palliative treatment in 36 patients (62.07%). Conclusion Stenting was a useful treatment of acute malignant colonic obstruction. The use of stents as a “bridge to the elective surgery” allowed the intestinal preparation, general status restoration, and a one-stage operation with resection and primary reanastomosis. We have also used the stents as a definitive palliative treatment, avoiding surgery in those patients with a very widely metastatic disease or who cannot undergo operation because of comorbid underlying conditions.     

The management of neoplastic colorectal obstruction with colonic endolumenal stenting devices

BACKGROUND: Colonic endolumenal stenting (CELS) to treat obstructing colorectal neoplasms was first described in 1991. The aim of this study was to review the published world literature and make recommendations for its use in current clinical practice. METHODS: Suitable English language reports were identified using a Medline search. RESULTS: CELS can been successfully accomplished in 64% to 100% of obstructing malignant colonic lesions. Distal lesions are more common and theoretically more easy to stent although lesions within the ascending colon have been successfully managed. Minor complications include transient anorectal pain and rectal bleeding, however, significant complications of stent dislocation and colonic perforation are also well recognized. CONCLUSION: CELS can aid the palliative management of malignant colorectal obstruction. Its role in relieving obstruction prior to resection remains to be defined. Increasing experience has allowed the safe placement of stents and relief of obstruction of virtually any lesion throughout the large bowel.     

Self-expanding metallic stents in the treatment of benign colorectal disease: indications and outcomes

OBJECTIVE: The use of stents for benign colorectal obstruction is considered controversial because of a lack of data and perceived high failure and complication rates. The aim of this study was to evaluate the indications and outcomes following stent placement for benign colorectal disease in a UK district general hospital and to review the published literature. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 1997 and 2004, 11 of 90 attempted stent insertions were performed for benign colorectal disease (diverticular disease, 4; anastomotic strictures, 4; idiopathic rectal stricture, 1; rectal endometriosis, 1; caecal volvulus, 1). Complications and outcomes were analysed from a prospective database. RESULTS: Stent insertion was successful in nine patients. Early complications occurred in two patients (both with diverticular disease): one patient failed to decompress and needed a colostomy and laparotomy was performed in a second patient who developed peritonitis after five days although no stent perforation of the bowel was identified. Two patients were successfully decompressed and underwent subsequent elective surgery with full bowel preparation. Stent placement resulted in symptomatic improvement in three out of four patients with anastomotic strictures (allowing closure of defunctioning stomas) and in the one patient with an idiopathic rectal stricture. Stent migration occurred in two of these patients without recurrence of symptoms. Stent fracture occurred in one patient, who remained symptomatic. CONCLUSIONS: Self-expanding metallic stents are an effective treatment for benign colorectal obstructions, especially anastomotic strictures with long-term patency. Stents should be avoided in acute diverticular disease because of a higher incidence of complications.     

支架植入治疗左半结肠直肠癌所致的急性梗阻

目的：探讨肠道支架放置对左半结肠直肠癌所致的急性梗阻之治疗效果和安全性。方法：对2000年5月～2006年6月收治的42例左半结肠直肠癌所致的急性梗阻进行临时性或姑息性支架放置：观察支架植入后梗阻缓解情况和并发症。结果：42例中34例支架植入成功（81．0％）．24h内的临床梗阻缓解率为94．1％（32／34）．全组无死亡发生。术后并发结肠穿孔和食物残渣堵塞支架各1例，均改作Hartmann手术；支架移位和肛门疼痛各2例。18例经过肠道准备和全身支持治疗后再行根治性手术；另14例支架植入属永久性姑息性治疗。结论：肠道支架植入对左半结肠、直肠癌所致的急性梗阻是一种安全有效的临时过渡性或永久性姑息性治疗手段，可借以免除急诊结肠造瘘术。     

Surgery after colonic stenting

Colonic stenting is an accepted treatment of large bowel obstruction. The literature is sparse regarding surgical difficulties associated with an indwelling stent. We report our experience focusing on outcomes, complications, and whether the stent created intraoperative concerns. In this retrospective review, 6 patients were identified between 2007 and 2010 that had surgery after colonic stents were placed. Their charts were reviewed to compare clinical variables, surgical procedures, outcomes, and complications. One obstruction was due to diverticulitis. The stent reobstructed, leading to emergent transverse loop colostomy, and subsequent sigmoidectomy with stoma reversal. Four patients' obstructing masses were malignant. The final patient's stent was placed through a Hartmann's stump to drain a pelvic abscess. These 5 patients had no stent complications. Surgery occurred an average of 9.8 weeks after stent placement; four had low anterior resections and one underwent Hartmann's reversal. All 6 patients had colorectal anastomoses and five underwent laparoscopic surgery; one had an anastomotic leak requiring reoperation. Colonic stenting allows for the immediate relief of obstruction while permitting diagnosis and treatment of coexisting medical problems. The colon can be prepared for an elective rather than emergency operation, and a colostomy may be avoided.