Self-Expandable Stent Before Elective Surgery vs . Emergency Surgery for the Treatment of Malignant Colorectal Obstructions: Comparison of Primary Anastomosis and Morbidity Rates

Abstract

In our patients with left-sided malignant colon and rectal obstruction, placement of a preoperative stent prevented 17 (94 percent) of 18 of unnecessary operations and a large number of colostomies after elective surgery. These results were obtained with a lower severe complication rate as well as a shorter hospital stay.