Radiological Position and Clinical Outcome of Preoperative Self-Expanding Metal Stents for Obstructing Colonic Cancer: A Single-Centre Cohort Study.

Background: Preoperative placement of self-expanding metal stents is used in patients with obstructing colon carcinoma to prevent an emergency operation. The perceived benefits remain the subject of discussion. The data-evaluating function and complications of stents in relation to radiological position are limited.

Methods: Patients receiving a preoperative stent between 2003 and 2013 were retrospectively analysed in this single-centre study. We analysed radiological deployment, eccentricity and angulation of the stent directly after placement. Endpoints were clinical success (resolution of ileus), complications needing non-elective surgery (blow-out, perforation, persistent ileus, dislocation) and other complications (bleeding, infiltrate). Associations were corrected for other potential influences.

Results: Eighty-two patients were included. In 22 patients (26.8%), the stent was placed proximal to the splenic flexure. Clinical success was present in 85.4%. Twenty-two patients (26.8%) had a complication of which 16 (19.5%) underwent urgent surgery for insufficient functioning of the stent; there were two blow-outs (2.4%). A more symmetrically placed stent was associated with clinical success (p = 0.042), with large overlap between groups. However, no association was found with non-elective surgery or complications. Also, angulation and deployment were unassociated with these outcomes.

Conclusions: We could not establish an association between symmetry, angulation or deployment of self-expandable colonic stents with clinical success and complications.