Self-expanding prostheses as a palliative method in treating advanced colorectal cancer

Aim: This work presents the results of the use of self-expanding prosthesis as a definitive palliative method for eliminating colorectal obstructions caused by advanced and unresectable rumours. Patients: A total of 41 cases were included (29 men, 12 women) with an aver age age of 70.12 years (range 46-95 years). All cases were showed symptoms of acute intestinal obstruction. Wallstent prostheses were inserted. Results: Locally unresectable colorectal rumours were disseminated in five cases, metastasis in 28 cases and other rumours in eight cases. In all pati ents the appropriate insertion was performed, eliminating the obstruction i n 38 (92.6%) cases in 24-96 h. The morbidity rate was 6/41 cases (14.6%) wi th slight rectal discomfort in five and one case of bleeding. Posterior tol erance of the prostheses was good. Follow-up: Two spontaneous rejections, three episodes of subocclusion becau se of faecal impact and two obstructions caused by an invasion of tumours o ccurred. Overall, 33 cases (80.4%) died within 1-18 months, average of 4.5 months survival. Conclusions: Wallstent endoprostheses is a good alternative avoiding a colo stomy and providing a good tolerance and comfort for the patient until deat h.