Preoperative Colonic Decompression With Decompression Tube Insertion Versus Stent Insertion in Patients With Malignant Left Colonic Obstruction

Purpose: To compare the clinical effectiveness of preoperative colonic decompression (PCD) performed with stent or decompression tube insertion in patients with malignant left colonic obstruction (MLCO). Materials and Methods: Between September 2014 and September 2018, 63 patients with MLCO underwent PCD (decompression tube: 35; stent: 28) in our center. Elective surgery was performed for patients with clinical success of PCD. Results: The rates of technical success for PCD with tube and stent insertion were 91.4% (32/35) and 96.4% (27/28), respectively ( P= 0.773). Clinical success rates for PCD with tube and stent insertion were 90.6% (29/32) and 85.2% (23/27), respectively ( P =0.811). Tumor resection with primary anastomosis was performed in all patients with clinical success in both groups. No significant differences were found between 2 groups regarding the duration of surgery and rates of postoperative complications. Conclusion: Decompression tube and stent insertion had similar effectiveness for PCD in patients with MLCO.