Stent Endoprosthesis for Colorectal Obstructions

Abstract

Self-Expandable Metallic Stent (EMS) treatment has recently been employed for colorectal obstruction caused by various diseases. There has been a relative delay in the use of EMS for colorectal obstructions as compared with that for other organs. Recently, however, there have been many reports of the use of EMS for colorectal diseases, mainly from the West. EMS is generally used as a palliative treatment for malignant strictures of the colon and rectum and as a bridging measure before surgery for obstructing colorectal cancers. Some investigators have reported on the usefulness of EMS for strictures associated with benign diseases. The indications for EMS treatment must be considered carefully because of the lack of long-term results of a foreign body placed permanently within the human body. EMS treatment can eliminate the need for unnecessary palliative and temporary colostomies in patients with colorectal obstruction. EMS may be expected to become the standard treatment for colorectal strictures when exclusive colorectal EMS and delivery kits are developed.