INITIAL CLINICAL-EXPERIENCE WITH COLONIC STENT PLACEMENT

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to review initial experience with a colonic stent as an alternative to colostomy in patients with c olonic obstruction. METHODS: Ten patients diagnosed with acute colonic obstructions from both benign and malignant causes underwent stent pl acement. Self-expandable metallic stents were deployed using fluorosco pic guidance. Patients were followed up clinically until removal of th e stent or death. RESULTS: Nine of the 10 patients who underwent colon ic stent placement achieved clinical decompression within 6 hours. Six patients underwent standard mechanical bowel preparation and elective resection of obstructing lesions. The other 4 patients received stent placement for palliative purposes. Complications included 4 cases of migration and 1 death. Migrated stents in the rectum were easily retri eved and replaced using fluoroscopic techniques. There were no perfora tions. CONCLUSION: Placement of self-expandable metallic stents for ac ute colonic obstructions may allow patients to undergo elective surgic al resection avoiding possible colostomy. (C) 1998 by Excerpta Medica, Inc.