Emergency Self- Expanding Metal Stenting for Malignant Colonic Obstruction: An Opportunity for Operation in a More Favorable Condition

Lower gastrointestinal system tumors represent a major source of morbidity and mortality. Bowel obstruction is a common complication in advanced colorectal cancer.Case Report: An 86-year-old male patient who was admitted to the emergency department with clinical complaints of ileus showed multiple air-fluid levels in an abdominal X-ray film. Computed tomography scans revealed an obstructing malignant mass in the sigmoid colon region. For immediate relief of obstruction, a self-expanding metal stent was placed by colonoscopy. Recovery from abdominal discomfort, flatulence, and vomiting was achieved shortly after stenting. With appropriate treatment and preoperative investigations, the patient was referred to undergo elective colectomy.Conclusion: In elderly and critically ill patients, endoscopic stenting may be an effective treatment for malignant large bowel obstruction. It may also be used as a bridge to surgery in more favorable conditions