Short-term Oncologic Outcome of Curative Resection for Obstructive Colorectal Cancer Followed by Stent Insertion: Comparative Study with Non-abstructive Colorectal Cancer

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Recently, a self-expandable metallic stent has allowed an elective single-stage resection avoiding the risk of emergency operation and stoma formation in patients with obstructive colorectal cancer (CRC). But, forceful expansion of stent may increase the possibility of tumor cell exfoliation and dissemination through bowel lumen, lymphatic and blood vessels. Aim of study is to evaluate the short-term outcome of curative resection for obstructive colorectal cancer followed by stent in terms of oncologic safety. METHODS: Twenty-seven patients who underwent curative resection for obstructive CRC followed by stent insertion were included in 'stent group' and control group included 87 patients who underwent surgery for non-obstructive CRC. The clinicopathologic characteristics and prognosis were compared between two groups. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in clinicopathologic characteristics between two groups. No difference was found in postoperative complications between two groups. Overall survival rate of two groups showed no statistically significant differences (P=0.1254). Stage-matched survival rates (stage II & III) were also showed no differences between two groups. CONCLUSION: Stent insertion itself does not compromise the survival of patients with obstructive CRC. Oncologic safety of stent insertion for obstructive CRC is acceptable. A further large-scaled prospective study and long-term follow-up is necessary to evaluate the oncologic safety of stent insertion in obstructive CRC.