Self-expanding metallic stents in the treatment of benign colorectal anastomotic strictures: a word of caution

Tech Coloproctol. 2008 Jun;12(2):127-9. doi: 10.1007/s10151-008-0408-8. Epub 2008 Jun 10.

Abstract

A 66-year-old man underwent an anterior resection for carcinoma at the rectosigmoid junction. Three months later, a tight stricture developed proximal to the anastomosis. This was treated with a self-expanding metallic stent. Over the next few months, the stent fractured and a fistula developed between the site of anastomic stricture and the distal ileum; the stent had to be removed. This, to our knowledge, is the first report of a coloenteric fistula developing after insertion of a metallic stent to treat a benign postoperative anastomotic stricture.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Anastomosis, Surgical / adverse effects*
  • Constriction, Pathologic / therapy*
  • Device Removal
  • Equipment Failure
  • Humans
  • Intestinal Fistula / etiology*
  • Male
  • Metals
  • Rectal Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Sigmoid Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Sigmoidoscopy
  • Stents*

Substances

  • Metals