Eric M. Haas MD, Colorectal Surgery Associates, Houston, USA
Endoscopic stenting of colon obstructions
Minimally invasive endoscopic stent procedures can reduce the hospital stay of patients suffering from colorectal cancer. Stenting may also reduce the future risk of surgery, reports colorectal surgeon Eric M. Haas MD, of Colorectal Surgery Associates in Houston, USA.
According to the medical journal aricle published in Contemporary Surgery, minimally invasive endoscopic stenting proved as a successful treatment method and non-surgical treatment alternative for colon obstructions.
“Colorectal cancer patients often have colon obstructions that cause emergency health problems," explains Dr. Haas. "The patient can have a variety of life-threatening health problems and emergency surgery often carries high morbidity and mortality. We studied a variety of non-surgical alternatives to managing colon blockages and found stent (SEMS) implantation with a minimally invasive approach to be the best alternative for the patient."
The published results show that stenting procedures benefit the patient with lowered hospital costs, shorter ICU and overall hospital stay, fewer operations and lower anaesthesia costs.
The use of an endoscope allows surgeons and gastroenterologists to pass through the colon obstruction and help to identify the location and extent of the problem.
"These new procedures assist surgeons in pinpointing the exact location of lesions and tumors, providing a less invasive approach and faster recovery for the patient," concludes Dr. Haas.
For more information please visit http://houstoncolon.com/
This article was published on 12/05/2007