Introduction: Self-expandable metal stents (SEMS) are a known treatment option for obstruction due to colorectal cancer. The objective of this project was to estimate the usage of such stents in Iceland between 2000-2018. We evaluated the number of patients who received the stent as a bridge to surgery (BtoS) or as a palliative therapy (PT) and evaluated complication rate and the technical and clinical success rate.
Material and methods: Retrospective review of patients in Landspitali University Hospital who received SEMS for malignant colorectal obstruction. Search was conducted using diagnostic and theraputic codes in the Icelandic electronic medical record system.
Results: A total of 43 patients with colorectal cancer received in total 53 SEMS for obstruction, the first patient in 2005. More patient received SEMS as PT (n=27) than as BtoS (n=16). Colon perforation occurred in 5 patients (12%). A resection with primary anastomosis was performed in 69% of the BtoS patients. The majority of the PT patients did not receive an operation (63%). Permanent stoma ratio was 27% for BtoS patients and 22% for PT patients.
Conclusion: SEMS served as BtoS with resection and primary anastomosis for the majority of patients in the BtoS group. For a majority of patients in the PT group, SEMS could be used to avoid surgery. The perforation rate was relatively high. Information on techincal and clinical success was poorly recorded. Because of the retrospective nature of the study and the small population size all results should be interpreted with caution.
Keywords: bridge to surgery; Stent; colorectal cancer; malignant obstruction; palliation.