We report two cases of malignant colonic obstruction that were improved using a trans-anal decompression tube. The first case was that of an 86-year-old woman referred to our department for further investigation of advanced gastric cancer. During an outpatient visit, she was admitted as an emergency because of sudden right flank pain. Computed tomography (CT) showed that the transverse colon had been invaded by the gastric cancer, and the acute symptoms were due to obstruction of the transverse colon. A trans-anal decompression tube was inserted through the obstructed region of the transverse colon, and subsequently symptoms of intestinal obstruction improved. The second case was that of an 84-year-old woman who had been diagnosed with a left renal pelvic tumor. Due to the advanced stage of disease, this patient was followed up at the urology department without curative treatment. Four months after diagnosis, the woman developed abdominal distension and vomiting. CT revealed a left renal mass extending into the descending colon and resulting in colonic obstruction. Symptoms of intestinal obstruction were improved by insertion of the trans-anal decompression tube.
Although these patients were at an advanced stage of disease on presentation, decompression using the trans-anal tube was useful in relieving symptoms of malignant colonic obstruction.
