Insertion of colorectal self-expanding metal stents is a safe and effective option for relieving symptoms of malignant colorectal obstruction

Background: Placement of self expanding metal stents (SEMS) has an emerging role to relieve acute colonic obstruction in otherwise operable colorectal cancer patients (pts). The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of colorectal SEMS insertion in pts with symptomatic malignant colonic obstruction. Patients and methods: Between 2005 December and 2006 January, we inserted colorectal SEMS in 9 pts (mean age=79 [65–91], m/f=2/7). All pts had colorectal cancer causing significant obstruction. In 8 pts, who had non- resectable disease or were unfit for surgery, SEMS were placed for p…