Safe transanal drainage tube placement using a tapered-tip sheath system for obstructive colorectal cancer

A 67-year-old woman presented at our hospital with abdominal bloating and pain. Abdominal computed tomography revealed sigmoid colon thickening and proximal bowel dilatation ([Fig. 1]). Emergency colonoscopy revealed advanced colorectal cancer with almost complete obstruction ([Fig. 2]). Consequently, endoscopic decompression using a transanal drainage tube (TDT) (Argyle Fukuroi Dennis Colorectal tube, Cardinal Health) was attempted ([Fig. 3]). However, the equipped 0.055-inch guidewire could not pass through the stenosis because of its stiffness. Therefore, a 0.035-inch hydrophilic biliary guidewire (Hydra Jagwire, Boston Scientific) preloaded through a biliary catheter (MTW, MTW Endoskopie) was used and successfully passed through the stenosis. The biliary catheter was then exchanged with a tapered-tip sheath system (EndoSheather, Piolax) composed of a tapered inner catheter and outer sheath ([Fig. 4] a, b). The system passed smoothly through the stenosis. After the inner catheter and biliary guidewire were withdrawn, the equipped guidewire was inserted into the outer sheath ([Fig. 4] c, [Fig. 5] a, b). Subsequently, the colonoscope and outer sheath were removed, and the sigmoid colon was straightened using the equipped guidewire. Finally, the TDT was successfully placed ([Fig. 5] c, [Video 1]).

Fig. 1 Abdominal contrast-enhanced computed tomography images. Horizontal (a) and coronal (b) images show wall thickening in the sigmoid colon (yellow arrowheads) and proximal bowel dilatation.

Fig. 2 Colonoscopy and fluoroscopy. a Colonoscopy image showing almost complete bowel obstruction caused by colorectal cancer. b Fluoroscopic image of severe stenosis due to the tumor (yellow arrowheads).

Fig. 3 Images of the transanal drainage tube. a Overall view of a transanal drainage tube (Argyle Fukuroi Dennis Colorectal Tube, Cardinal Health). b The 0.055-inch guidewire equipped with the tube.

Fig. 4 Images of the tapered-tip sheath system. a)Overview of the tapered-tip sheath system (EndoSheather, Piolax). b The tapered-tip inner catheter tip (yellow arrow) and outer sheath (white arrow). (c) Tip of the 0.055-inch equipped guidewire (red arrow) and outer sheath (white arrow).

Fig. 5 Fluoroscopic images of transanal drainage tube placement. a Placement of the tapered-tip sheath system over the hydrophilic biliary guidewire (white arrow). b Insertion of the 0.055-inch guidewire (red arrow) into the outer sheath. c Insertion of the transanal drainage tube (yellow arrow) through the stenosis over the 0.055-inch guidewire.

This video shows the procedure for transanal drainage tube placement using a tapered-tip sheath system for obstructive colorectal cancer.Video 1

TDT placement is effective in preventing emergency surgery for patients with malignant colorectal obstruction [1] [2]. The equipped guidewire is rigid enough to facilitate TDT placement; however, its stiffness may make it difficult to pass through the stenosis and may cause perforation [3]. Hydrophilic biliary guidewires are useful in such cases [4], but cannot be exchanged with an equipped guidewire through a biliary catheter because of their thickness. As in this case, the tapered-tip sheath system, first developed for bile duct biopsy [5], enables a hard-equipped guidewire to pass through the malignant colorectal stenosis. This system may be useful for safe TDT placement in cases of unsuccessful insertion of an equipped guidewire using the usual method.

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Conflict of Interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

• References

• 1 Lelcuk S, Ratan J, Klausner JM. et al. Endoscopic decompression of acute colonic obstruction. Avoiding staged surgery. Ann Surg 1986; 203: 292-294
• 2 Horiuchi A, Maeyama H, Ochi Y. et al. Usefulness of Dennis Colorectal Tube in endoscopic decompression of acute, malignant colonic obstruction. Gastrointest Endosc 2001; 54: 229-232
• 3 Ohnita K, Shikuwa S, Isomoto H. et al. A new thin endoscopic method of transanal drainage tube insertion for acute colonic obstruction due to colorectal cancer. Dig Endosc 2009; 21: 252-254
• 4 Ichise Y, Horiuchi A, Nakayama Y. et al. Techniques and outcomes of endoscopic decompression using transanal drainage tube placement for acute left-sided colorectal obstruction. Gastroenterol Res 2010; 3: 201-206
• 5 Matsumori T, Uza N, Shiokawa M. et al. Clinical impact of a novel device delivery system in the diagnosis of bile duct lesions: A single-center experience. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 37: 1360-1366

Publication History

Article published online:
14 May 2025