Current Status of Decompression Therapy with Preoperative Decompression Tube (Ileus Tube) for Obstructive Colorectal Cancer

Abstract

This review describes the current status of treatment for obstructive colorectal cancer, the practice and indications of decompression therapy, and the usefulness of the transanal decompression tube (TDT) in decompression therapy. For obstructive colorectal cancer that requires urgent treatment as a so-called “oncologic emergency,” a colostomy, Hartmann operation, and decompression therapy using the TDT or self-expandable metallic colonic stent are performed.

Decompression therapy for “BTS,” which is premised on radical resection, reduces perioperative complications by improving the general condition, and it is safe and can evaluate surgical tolerance and other colorectal cancer of the oral side. As a result, radical elective surgery becomes possible. A stent has many advantages in short-term results, but there is no difference in the long-term results between the TDT and stent, and the TDT is expected to have the same therapeutic effects as a stent. In addition, the TDT is an optimal indication for lower rectal cancer near the anus. Decompression therapy by inserting the TDT is an effective method and should be performed along with stent placement.