Medical stents forming a bridge to surgical recovery

Bridge to Recovery: Is Stenting Before Colon Surgery the Right Path?

Soraya Malik in Health & Wellness June 2025 • 4 min read.

"Exploring the benefits and drawbacks of using stents as a bridge to surgery for left-sided colon cancer."

The treatment of obstructive left colon cancer presents a complex challenge, requiring careful consideration of various factors to achieve the best possible outcomes. In a recent exchange of letters published in the ANZ Journal of Surgery, researchers discussed the role of stents as a 'bridge to surgery,' highlighting the importance of balancing immediate surgical needs with long-term oncological results.

When faced with emergency surgery (ES) for obstructing colon cancer, surgeons and patients alike must weigh the benefits against potential drawbacks. Self-expandable metallic stents (SEMS) have emerged as a valuable tool, offering a way to alleviate the immediate obstruction and potentially improve a patient's overall condition before undergoing more extensive surgery.

This approach isn't without its critics, as some studies suggest that placing SEMS before surgery may lead to less favorable oncological outcomes. However, there are valid reasons why medical teams might opt for this strategy, especially when considering the individual circumstances and overall health of each patient.

Stenting: A Bridge to Improved Patient Condition

Medical stents forming a bridge to surgical recovery

One of the primary reasons for using SEMS is to address the patient's immediate medical condition. For individuals who are medically unstable or face a high risk of complications from immediate surgery, stenting provides an opportunity to stabilize their health. This allows for multiple staged surgeries, particularly in cases of left-sided colon obstruction, and reduces post-operative morbidity.

Stenting also provides enough time for preoperative resuscitation, improving the patient's overall condition before the more invasive procedure. By relieving the obstruction, SEMS can alleviate symptoms such as pain, nausea, and vomiting, allowing patients to regain strength and improve their nutritional status.

Immediate Relief: Stents alleviate obstruction, reducing pain and discomfort.
Improved Stability: Allows high-risk patients to stabilize before surgery.
Reduced Morbidity: Minimizes post-operative complications.
Preoperative Resuscitation: Enhances patient strength and nutritional status.

While stenting offers significant benefits in terms of immediate patient care, it's essential to consider its impact on long-term oncological outcomes. Some research suggests that pre-operative SEMS placement may lead to less favorable results compared to immediate surgery. This highlights the need for a balanced approach, carefully weighing the short-term benefits against potential long-term risks.

The Verdict: Is Stenting Right for You?

Ultimately, the decision to use SEMS as a bridge to surgery for left-sided colon cancer depends on various factors, including the patient's overall health, the extent of the obstruction, and the availability of surgical expertise. While stenting is not a standard procedure, it can be a valuable option for patients who require immediate relief and stabilization before undergoing more definitive surgical treatment.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1111/ans.14185, Alternate LINK

Title: Response To Re: Outcome Of Bridge To Surgery Stenting For Obstructive Left Colon Cancer

Subject: General Medicine

Journal: ANZ Journal of Surgery

Publisher: Wiley

Authors: Bong-Hyeon Kye, Min Ki Kim, Won-Kyung Kang

Published: 2017-09-01

Everything You Need To Know

What is the purpose of Self-expandable metallic stents (SEMS) in treating colon cancer?

Self-expandable metallic stents (SEMS) are used to address the immediate medical condition caused by an obstructing colon cancer. These stents are inserted to alleviate the obstruction, providing immediate relief from symptoms like pain, nausea, and vomiting. This allows patients to regain strength and improve their nutritional status before surgery. The application of SEMS is a crucial step in stabilizing high-risk patients, offering them an opportunity to prepare for more extensive surgical procedures.

How does using Self-expandable metallic stents (SEMS) affect surgical outcomes?

Using Self-expandable metallic stents (SEMS) impacts surgical outcomes, recovery, and long-term oncological results in the treatment of left-sided colon cancer. While SEMS can provide immediate relief and stabilization, it's essential to consider its impact on long-term oncological outcomes. Some research indicates that pre-operative SEMS placement may lead to less favorable results. The approach requires a careful balance between short-term benefits, such as improved patient condition and reduced morbidity, and potential long-term risks.

What role does emergency surgery (ES) play in colon cancer treatment, and how are Self-expandable metallic stents (SEMS) involved?

Emergency surgery (ES) is a critical situation in the context of obstructive colon cancer, requiring surgeons and patients to carefully assess the benefits and drawbacks. When immediate surgery poses a high risk, Self-expandable metallic stents (SEMS) become a valuable tool. SEMS offers a way to alleviate the immediate obstruction, potentially improving a patient's overall condition before undergoing more extensive surgery. The decision-making process involves balancing the need for immediate surgical intervention with the potential for complications.

Why might a medical team choose to use stenting before surgery for a patient with colon cancer?

Stenting before surgery is a valuable option, particularly for patients needing immediate relief and stabilization. This approach allows for preoperative resuscitation, improving the patient's overall condition before the invasive procedure. This includes relieving the obstruction, managing symptoms, and improving nutritional status. This is crucial for patients who are medically unstable or face a high risk of complications from immediate surgery. The use of Self-expandable metallic stents (SEMS) can allow for staged surgeries and reduce post-operative complications.

What factors influence the decision to use Self-expandable metallic stents (SEMS) as a bridge to surgery?

The decision to use Self-expandable metallic stents (SEMS) depends on various factors, including the patient's overall health, the extent of the obstruction, and the availability of surgical expertise. While SEMS is not a standard procedure, it can be a valuable option for patients requiring immediate relief and stabilization before definitive surgical treatment. Consulting with a medical team is essential to assess the suitability and potential risks of using SEMS.