Background and Study Aims: In the treatment of acute obstructing colorectal
cancer, a nasoenteric ileus tube is not capable of providing sufficient de
compression of the enlarged intestine immediately, and it may cause the pat
ients throat pain. We therefore assessed the effectiveness of an endoscopic
decompression procedure using a transanal ileus tube for acute obstructing
colorectal cancer.
Patients and Methods: Five patients (five women, mean age 62) with colorect
al cancer ileus underwent endoscopic decompression procedures between July
1994 and March 1999. The stricture was first negotiated using a guide wire
300 cm in length, and was then dilated using 8 Fr and 26 Fr dilating cathet
ers, Immediately after a transanal ileus tube 120 cm in length with an outs
ide diameter of 22 Fr was inserted, the intestinal tract was cleaned.
Results: No leakage from a colorectal anastomosis occurred during this endo
scopic decompression procedure. Immediately after insertion of a decompress
ion procedure tube, radical surgery could be performed after adequate preop
erative examination and colorectal preparation.
Conclusions: This procedure may be helpful in allowing immediate preoperati
ve examination and scheduling of a radical operation for acute obstructing
colorectal disease.