Alexander A Dekovich1. 1. Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Texas - M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA. adekovich@mdanderson.org
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Over the past 15 years, great strides have been made in the nonsurgical management of malignant large bowel obstruction. Progress continues, particularly in the area of self-expanding metal stents. The purpose of this review is to assess the available endoscopic techniques for colonic decompression and document the inexorable trend toward supremacy of the self-expanding metal stent in this arena. RECENT FINDINGS: Stents are being designed with the structure and function of the colon in mind allowing better and longer-lasting palliation. Improvement in the design of the colonic decompression tube allows a low-tech approach to the palliation of colonic obstruction. Argon plasma coagulation is helpful in restoring continuity of the obstructed colonic lumen in certain circumstances. SUMMARY: As a consequence of technological innovation and growing expertise in the community, gastroenterology is becoming the go to specialty in the early management and palliation of malignant bowel obstruction.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Over the past 15 years, great strides have been made in the nonsurgical management of malignant large bowel obstruction. Progress continues, particularly in the area of self-expanding metal stents. The purpose of this review is to assess the available endoscopic techniques for colonic decompression and document the inexorable trend toward supremacy of the self-expanding metal stent in this arena. RECENT FINDINGS: Stents are being designed with the structure and function of the colon in mind allowing better and longer-lasting palliation. Improvement in the design of the colonic decompression tube allows a low-tech approach to the palliation of colonic obstruction. Argon plasma coagulation is helpful in restoring continuity of the obstructed colonic lumen in certain circumstances. SUMMARY: As a consequence of technological innovation and growing expertise in the community, gastroenterology is becoming the go to specialty in the early management and palliation of malignant bowel obstruction.