Stent as bridge to surgery in patients with malignant large bowel obstruction

Self-expandable metal stents (SEMSs) have been used in the management of colorectal obstruction as an alternative to emergency surgery. The stent as a bridge to surgery is a preoperative modality for the relief of acute obstruction so that resection can be done on an elective basis after stabilization of the acute illness and bowel preparation. Using PubMed, a literature search regarding the outcomes, mortality, morbidity, and long-term prognosis of SEMS׳s use as a bridge to surgery in colorectal obstruction was undertaken. Although the data reported from randomized clinical trials give conflicting results, the use of SEMSs as a bridge to surgery in patients with obstructive colon cancer is recommended.