Endoscopic Stenting as Bridge to Surgery versus Emergency Resection for Left-Sided Malignant Colorectal Obstruction: An Updated Meta-Analysis

Abstract EN

Introduction.

Emergency resection represents the traditional treatment for left-sided malignant obstruction.

However, the placement of self-expanding metallic stents and delayed surgery has been proposed as an alternative approach.

The aim of the current meta-analysis was to review the available evidence, with particular interest for the short-term outcomes, including a recent multicentre RCT.

Methods.

We considered randomized controlled trials comparing stenting as a bridge to surgery and emergency surgery for the management of left-sided malignant large bowel obstruction, performing a systematic review in MEDLINE, PubMed database, and the Cochrane libraries.

Results.

We initially identified a total of 2543 studies.

After the elimination of duplicates and the screening of titles and abstracts, seven studies, for a total of 448 patients, were considered.

The current meta-analysis revealed no difference in the mortality rate between the stent group and the emergency surgery group; the postoperative complication rate (37.84% versus 54.87%, P=0.02), the stoma rate (28.8% versus 46.02%, P<0.0001), and the incidence of wound infection (8.11% versus 15.49%, P=0.01) were reduced after stent as a bridge to surgery.

Conclusion.

Colonic stenting as a bridge to surgery appears to be a safe approach to malignant large bowel obstruction.

Possible advantages of this treatment can be identified in a reduced incidence of postoperative complications and a lower stoma rate.

Further RCTs considering long-term outcomes and cost-effectiveness analysis are needed.