Bowel Perforation and Other Complications Associated with a Colonic Stent

Description

A colon stent may be placed in a patient with bowel obstruction, typically for a colonic adenocarcinoma or a stricture. The goal may be palliation or a temporary measure prior to definitive resection. Unfortunately, the use of a stent may be associated with a number of complications.

Complications associated with colon stent:

(1) bowel perforation

(2) migration

(3) hemorrhage

(4) restenosis

Causes of perforation:

(1) mechanical pressure from edge of stent causing ischemic necrosis of colon wall

(2) trauma during insertion of guide wire or catheter

(3) sharp angle of the stent

(4) possibly bevacizumab therapy

Complications:

(1) peritonitis

(2) intra-abdominal spread of malignant cells

(3) fistula

Differential diagnosis:

(1) bowel perforation due to tumor growth through colon wall

(2) ruptured diverticulitis

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Bowel Perforation and Other Complications Associated with a Colonic Stent

Description

Specialty