Assistance of colorectal stent insertion by sphincterotome.

Abstract

Palliation of patients with unresectable colorectal carcinoma is an effective treatment and technical failure is undesirable. Insertion of colorectal stent using a combined radiologic and colonoscopic technique may be technically limited by the ability to negotiate tortuous bends, particularly if the bowel is fixed. We used a through scope sphincterotome, which improved the ability to traverse difficult strictures. We have used the technique in four cases as a last resort. This resulted in a technical success in all four cases (100 percent). Sphincterotome is a useful adjunct in stenting difficult colorectal tumor strictures.