Colonic stenting: technique, technology, and outcomes for malignant and benign disease.

Self-expandable metal stents (SEMS) have gained acceptance for use in the gastrointestinal tract to relieve malignant lumenal obstruction. In the colon, SEMS are used to avoid permanent or temporary colostomy during palliation and as a bridge to surgery for left-sided colonic obstruction. Limited data exist on their use for benign disease. This article reviews the latest in stent technology and the outcomes after their placement for benign and malignant disease.