PALLIATION OF LARGE-BOWEL OBSTRUCTION DUE TO RECURRENT RECTOSIGMOID TUMOR USING SELF-EXPANDABLE ENDOPROSTHESES

When large-bowel obstruction supervenes in patients ,vith rectal tumor recurrence and extensive nonresectable disease, a proximal diverting colostomy may be indicated. In this study, nonsurgical palliation of t he obstruction was attempted by inserting self-expandable endoprosthes es to bridge the stenotic lesion. The endoprostheses were positioned i n two patients with large-bowel obstruction due to recurrent stenotic tumor, and extensive disease excluding palliative resection. Self-expa ndable endoprostheses with inner diameters of 18 mm and 22 mm were suc cessfully inserted under endoscopic and radiographic control. Proper e xpansion of the endoprostheses was achieved in both patients, resultin g in immediate decompression of the bowel and lasting relief of the ob struction.