Self-expanding metallic stents are commonly used in the treatment of patients with
obstructing colonic tumors, either for palliation or as an alternative to defunctioning
ileostomy prior to radiotherapy [1]. One of the common problems encountered after stent placement is migration of the
stent, which can occur in up to 14 % of patients [2]
[3]. Stent migration can occur either spontaneously or as a result of the shrinkage
of the tumor following radiotherapy [4].
Endoscopic clipping has been used previously to assist in the positioning of self-expanding
esophageal stents [5]. We applied endoscopic clips (HX-3L, Olympus, Hamburg, Germany) at the cranial and
caudal ends of a metallic stent used in the treatment of patients with obstructing
left colonic tumors (Figures [1], [2]). We did not encounter any stent migration in three patients in whom this technique
was applied, with uncovered Ultraflex stents being used in all patients. We feel that
endoscopic clips can be used effectively to prevent migration of self-expanding metal
stents.
Figure 1 Endoscopic view of the stent with the clips in situ.
Figure 2 Abdominal radiograph showing the stent with the clips in situ.
Endoscopy_UCTN_Code_TTT_1AQ_2AF
