Self-expanding metal stents (SEMS) can be used to treat patients with symptomatic
anastomotic complications after colorectal resection. In the present case series,
16 patients with symptomatic anastomotic stricture after colorectal resection were
treated with endoscopic placement of SEMS. Seven patients had a “simple” anastomotic
stricture and nine patients had a fistula associated with the stricture. The anastomotic
fistula healed without evidence of residual stricture or major fecal incontinence
in seven of the nine patients. Overall the anastomotic stricture was resolved in 10
of the 16 patients. SEMS placement represents a valid adjunctive to treatment in patients
with symptomatic anastomotic complications after colorectal resection for cancer.