Abstract
The usefulness of a transanal decompression tube for obstructive colorectal cancer was evaluated. A total of 37 patients were divided into the transnasaldecompression-tube inserted group (TNDT group; n=21), and a non TNDT group (n=16). The mean age of the patients in the non-TNDT group was significantly higher, and these patients showed a poorer nutritional status, and higher serum C-reactive protein levels than those of the TNDT group. The tumors were located in the left-sided colon in 20 patients of the TNDT group, and 5 patients of the non TNDT group. In all, 16 patients of the TNDT group and 5 patients of the non TNDT group underwent single-stage surgery. One patient of the TNDT group developed the complication of perforation of the tumor during the tube insertion. None of the patients who underwent single-stage surgery showed anastomotic leakage. Four patients of the non TNDT group died after the surgery, while none of the patients of the TNDT group died. The transanal decompression tube is an excellent tool for the relief of malignant obstruction in the left-sided colon, if the patients are in a good general condition.
