Colonic Stenting in the Management of Acute Left-sided Malignant Colonic Obstruction is Oncologically Safe?

Abstract

stoma creation in comparison with emergency surgery, enhancing patients' quality of life, without differences in terms of mortality and morbidity rate. According to available data, at one year follow up time, the recurrence rate is higher in patients treated with stent, with no statistical difference in terms of disease free survival and overall survival. Endoscopist's experience, type of colic obstruction (partial or total), type of stent, insertion technique and timing of surgery are fundamental to reach CS technical and clinical success. Oncologic (un)-safety of colonic stenting has to be still investigated and confirmed by medium and long term follow up of large prospective studies and randomized controlled trials comparing SEMS as bridge to surgery and ES. CS can be strongly considered with palliative intent in patients with advanced neoplastic disease, to avoid stoma and health care costs related to stoma.