Stent for palliation of advanced colorectal cancer

In palliation of advanced colorectal cancer, self-expanding metal stent (SEMS) can be an alternative to surgical resection for malignant obstruction proximal to the splenic flexure. SEMS is recommended as the preferred treatment for palliation of left-sided advanced malignant colonic obstruction with a high quality of evidence, except in patients (1) with a presumed long life expectancy (>1 year) and (2) treated or considered for treatment with antiangiogenic drugs (ie, bevacizumab). The validity of the recommendation that palliative stenting is contraindicated in patients with a presumed long life expectancy (>1 year) because of late stent-related complications is debatable and might be an erroneous conclusion.
Source: Techniques in Gastrointestinal Endoscopy - Category: Gastroenterology Authors: Source Type: research