Authors' objectives:

Colorectal stents are used to relieve acute lower bowel obstruction. They cost approximately $2200 each. The Technology Assessment Unit (TAU) has been requested to give an opinion on the use of this technology at the MUHC.

Authors' results and conclusions: There are two situations in which colorectal stents are used: For the relief of obstruction caused by cancer before proceeding to diagnostic and therapeutic interventions (as a "bridge to surgery"), and for the relief of obstruction when the cancer is inoperable (as palliation). In both situations the only alternative form of management is the operation of colostomy. Based on a systematic review of 29 case series reporting 598 attempted stent insertions, it can be concluded that stents offer a relatively safe and effective alternative to colostomy in both the above situations, and when used for palliation offer a significantly superior quality of life. No major increase in stent use is anticipated in the short term, but some slow increase seems likely with the passage of time.

Authors' recommendations: The TAU committee recommends that the MUHC approve the use of colorectal stents for the relief of large bowel obstruction, both for palliation and whenever clinically indicated as a bridge to ultimate surgical resection.

Authors' methods: Systematic review

Project Status: Completed

URL for project: http://www.mcgill.ca/tau/publications/2003

Year Published: 2003

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: Canada

Organisation Name: Technology Assessment Unit of the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC)

Contact Address: Technology Assessment Unit of the MUHC, 536-5100 Boul. Maisonneuve O, Montreal, H4A 3T2

Contact Name: eva.suarthana@mcgill.ca

Contact Email: nisha.almeida@muhc.mcgill.ca

Copyright: Technology Assessment Unit of the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC)