WP5.6 - Beyond the Left Side: Emergency Colonic Stenting for Acute Malignant Large Bowel Obstruction

Abstract Introduction Acute malignant large bowel obstruction (LBO) is traditionally treated by surgical diversion or resection in patients who are fit enough. European guidelines suggest colonic stenting as a bridge to surgery in curative disease. The aim was to examine the safety and efficacy of a change in practice from emergency laparotomy towards colonic stenting for acute malignant LBO. Methods Patients with LBO from 01/01/2019 to 31/12/2022 were included and data was obtained from the NELA database and electronic patient records. Results 42 patients underwent emergency laparotomy (EL) for LBO. 33% (14/42) patients had right-sided tumours (n=14) and/or perforated disease (n=6) where stenting was contraindicated. 28/42 patients (22% of total) went straight to EL for clinical/ organisation factors. 73 patients were stented; 44% (32/73) were at/ proximal to splenic flexure. Perforation rate was 10% (7/73) with 4/7 requiring EL. Failure rate was 14% (10/73) with 6/10 patients requiring EL. 41% (30/73) were stented with curative intent; 70% (21/30) then underwent elective resection. The rate of stoma formation and minimally invasive surgery in patients stented with curative intent was 40% (12/30) and 60% (18/30) respectively (including 9 EL following stent complications). Compared with 88% (37/42) and 19% (8/42) in patients undergoing primary EL. Conclusion Almost 2/3 of patients presenting with acute malignant LBO were suitable for stenting. Stenting reduced the need for a stoma and enabled elective minimally invasive surgery with low complication rates. This rate of colonic stenting was achievable without a 24/7 colonic stenting rota or sub-specialty cover.