Colonic Stenting Using Side-Viewing Endoscope: A Case Report

Colonic self-expandable metal stents (SEMS) are widely used as palliation for malignant obstruction. The conventional method involves using a forward-viewing endoscope as part of the procedure. Sometimes, however, the sharp angle of the stricture poses difficulty in evaluating the stricture, so a guidewire is placed across the stricture. Here, we present a case where a side-viewing endoscope was employed for colonic stent placement and propose its use in patients with sharp bends to increase success.

689 A Service Evaluation of Colonic Stent Procedures Over A 10 Year Period at University Hospital Bristol

Introduction The National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) updated guidance in January 2020 and recommend colonic stent insertion for acute left-sided bowel obstruction as either palliative treatment or a bridge to elective surgery. Colonic stent insertion has shown improved outcomes in reducing hospital stay and stoma rate when compared to emergency surgery in patients presenting with large bowel obstruction. Objectives This service evaluation aimed to identify indications, complications, and outcomes of colonic stent insertion at University Hospital Bristol(UHB). Method Retrospective analysis of all colonic stent procedures performed at UHB between 1st January 2010 to 31st May 2020. Results 87 patients had a colonic stent procedure. 60(69%) were performed as an emergency and 27(33%) electives. Obstruction was secondary to a tumour in 84(97%) patients and diverticular strictures in 3(3%). 19(22%) had stent insertion as a bridge to elective surgery. 64(74%) stents were successfully deployed. 15(75%) required emergency surgery where the stent was unsuccessful. Complications occurred in 9(14%) successfully deployed stents, including: perforation(1;1%); per-rectal bleed(1;1%); dislodgement(1:1%); bacterial translocation(1;1%); tenesmus(2;2%); more than one stent required(3;3%). 30-day mortality was 11%. Conclusions The majority of colonic stent procedures at UHB were for patients presenting with acute large bowel obstruction secondary to malignancy. Few of these patients were suitable for surgery and stent insertion primarily for symptom relief. Where stent insertion is unsuccessful there is a high conversion (75%) to emergency surgery. Complications were observed in 14% of stent procedures and 30-day mortality was 11%.