Abstract
We report here our experiences of using the WallFlex colonic stent, which is approved for insurance coverage, for obstructive colorectal cancers. A total of 10 patients were treated between December 2011 and August 2012. The subjects included 6 men and 4 women, with an age range of 35 to 83. The placement sites were the transverse colon in 2 cases, the descending colon in 2 cases, the sigmoid colon in 5 cases and anastomotic recurrence after low anterior resection. Stent placement was successful in 10 of 10 patients (100%). All patients were able to resume eating. Single-stage elective surgery was performed for all patients except in the case of anastomotic recurrence. The depth of cancer invasion was SS (n=7) or SE (n=2), and the stage of progression was stage II (n=3), IIIa (n=1) or IV (n=5). The metallic stent placement achieved favorable decompression and greatly improved the quality of life for our patients.
