Elective (planned) colectomy in patients with colorectal obstruction after placement of a self-expanding metallic stent as a bridge to surgery: the results of a prospective study

Introduction Acute malignant colorectal obstruction (CRO) can be satisfactorily dealt by the placement of a self‐expanding metallic stent (SEMS). The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the rate of elective (planned) colectomy (EPC) in patients with CRO after SEMS placement as a bridge to surgery on an intention‐to‐treat (ITT) basis. Method From 2002 to 2007, 30 SEMS were placed as a bridge to surgery in 30 CRO patients (median age 73 ± 12 years). The obstructing lesions were located in the right (n = 1), transverse (n = 1) or left colon (n = 24) or the upper third of the rectum (n = 4). Results The SEMS was placed successfully in 25 (83%) patients. Five patients underwent Hartmann’s procedure (n = 2) or a diverting colostomy (n = 3). The SEMS was functionally operational in 23 (92%) of the 25 patients. A diverting colostomy was avoided in 23 (77%) of the 30 patients (placement failure n = 5, clinical failure n = 2). There were no complications in 17 (80%) patients. On an ITT basis, 70% of the patients (21 out of 30) underwent an EPC. Conclusion On an ITT basis, SEMS placement in CRO patients enabled EPC in 70% of patients.