Palliation of malignant gastrointestinal obstruction is a major aspect of oncology. We assessed the efficacy of stents in the palliation of gastric outlet, duodenal and colonic obstruction. We undertook a retrospective study of 35 consecutive patients who were referred for stent insertion with palliative intent from June, 1999 to March, 2003. Thirty-two stents were successfully placed in 30 patients. Technical success rate was 86% (30/35 patients). Of the patients who had successful insertion, 83% had complete relief of symptoms. In 1 patient the stent failed to expand. There was no procedure related mortality. Median survival was 1.6 months (range, 0-14.8). The conclusion was that self-expandable metal stents provide an effective method of palliation in malignant gastrointestinal obstruction, with high clinical and technical success rates and low complication rates.

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