Importance of preoperative total colonoscopy and endoscopic resection after self-expandable metallic stent placement for obstructive colorectal cancer as a bridge-to-surgery

Abstract

Background and aim Colonic self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS) placement enables preoperative total colonoscopy (TCS) in patients with obstructive colorectal cancer. Following SEMS placement, it is possible to assess the presence or absence of synchronous proximal colon cancers and perform preoperative endoscopic resection (ER) for neoplastic lesions proximal to the primary lesion. The objective of this study was to determine the usefulness and safety of preoperative TCS and ER after SEMS placement in patients with obstructive colorectal cancer. Methods From April 2016 to March 2022, we enrolled 100 patients with obstructive colorectal cancer who underwent SEMS placement, including 86 patients who underwent preoperative TCS after SEMS placement. Complications associated with preoperative TCS and ER after SEMS placement and the characteristics of the neoplastic lesions were assessed. Results The success rate of SEMS placement as bridge-to-surgery was 98.0%; six patients had associated complications. Preoperative TCS was performed 8 (range: 1–30) days after SEMS placement. Four patients had synchronous advanced cancers. Nine non-advanced synchronous cancers, 116 adenomas, and 18 sessile-serrated lesions were treated by preoperative TCS and ER after SEMS placement. No procedure-related complications, namely stent migration, bleeding, and perforation were observed. Forty-five patients underwent follow-up TCS 1 year after surgery. Only one patient with submucosal invasive cancer required a second surgery. Conclusions Preoperative TCS and ER after SEMS placement was performed with no complications. This approach allows preoperative evaluation of the entire colon and the treatment of precancerous lesions. (240 words)

Malignant Acute Colonic Obstruction: Multidisciplinary Approach for Endoscopic Management

“…Following colonic stenting for malignant LBO, it is necessary to perform a complete colonoscopy to exclude the presence of a synchronous lesion, which occurs in 3-13% of patients with CRC [76,77]. Through-the-stent colonoscopy is feasible after an adequate PEG-based bowel preparation, with a success rate ranging from 63% to 100%; notably, the lowest rate increased to 87.5% when a gastroscope was utilized instead of a colonoscope [77,78]. It is important to state that through-the-stent colonoscopy is a safe procedure with no instances of migration or bleeding related to this implementation [77,78].…”

“…Through-the-stent colonoscopy is feasible after an adequate PEG-based bowel preparation, with a success rate ranging from 63% to 100%; notably, the lowest rate increased to 87.5% when a gastroscope was utilized instead of a colonoscope [77,78]. It is important to state that through-the-stent colonoscopy is a safe procedure with no instances of migration or bleeding related to this implementation [77,78]. There is a complete lack of research concerning the optimal timing for proximal colonic evaluation after the revealing of a CRC.…”