TTP3.12 Stenting For Colorectal Cancer – An Evaluation of Outcomes from a District General Hospital

Aims Despite regular screening for colorectal cancer (CRC) in the UK, one in six patients presents with advanced tumour-causing bowel obstruction. NICE recommends self-expanding metallic stents (SEMS) for left-sided colorectal cancer-related bowel obstruction. ESGE advises SEMS for palliation and in patients with a high risk of mortality. We audited the patients with CRC who were treated with stenting at our hospital. Methods In this retrospective audit, cases of CRC over five years from 2019 to 2024 were identified using our online patient database and input from colorectal nurse specialists. Patients who underwent stenting for CRC with curative intent and for palliation were included in the study. Results Overall, 28 patients underwent colonic stenting during the five years: 15 (54%) male and 13 (46%) female. Of 28, 22 (79%) patients had surgery, 16 (73%) had laparoscopic procedures. Two surgeries were converted to open procedures. Out of 22 patients, 8 (36%) had a stoma. Five patients had surgery for right-sided cancer, while 17 patients had surgery for left-sided cancer. Two (7%) underwent NART, and 7 (25%) received NACT. Fifteen (68%) patients had adjuvant treatment post-procedure. The overall 90-day mortality was around 18%. Conclusion Colonic stenting for CRC is a feasible and effective approach for obstructing CRC, which can be used as a bridge to surgery. This helps to optimise and stage the patient to provide the best treatment plan. The CReST trial reported a significant reduction in stoma formation (47.5%) in patients who were stented, which has been reflected in our study.