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New Colorectal Stenting for Colon Cancer Patients
A self-expanding metallic stent can be used to overcome blockage in the large intestines.
Colorectal Cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in Singapore. About 10 to 30% of colon (large intestines) cancers result in intestinal obstruction. This usually requires an emergency operation that is associated with high patient morbidity & mortality.

Stents have been used since 1991 in other parts of the body eg. coronary artery, oesophagus and bile ducts. It was only in the late 1990s when it was used to relieve obstruction in the colon.

Colorectal stenting provides a safer alternative to emergency surgery. This new service is available at CGH since Jan 2002 and more than 20 patients have gone through colorectal stenting.

The Department of General Surgery is currently completing a prospective study on the efficacy of colorectal stenting. A self-expanding metallic stent (SEMS) is deployed using a combination of endoscopic and radiological techniques. The purpose of the stent is to overcome blockage in the large intestines, usually a result of a large tumour. The colorectal stent is placed across the malignant stricture and this achieves instant relief from the intestinal obstruction.

Patients with intestinal obstruction are usually dehydrated and have multiple electrolyte abnormalities. This can lead to multiple organ failure and death. With stenting, these abnormalities are corrected or optimised prior to surgery. Stenting allows time for correcting these abnormalities and therefore increases patient safety. Colorectal stenting has no side effects. It is done under sedation as an outpatient procedure, and avoids the risks associated with a general anaesthetic.

Colorectal stents can also be used in the palliative treatment of advanced metastatic colon cancers where surgery is not possible. Colorectal stenting is safe, effective & offers patients a better quality of life. It is only unsuitable for patients with perforation or peritonitis.

For appointments, please call CGH Appointment Centre at Tel: 6850 3333.
Colorectal Clinic
Mon – 9:00am to 12noon
Sat – 9:00am to 12noon
Doctors in charge:
Dr Ng Chin, Associate Consultant
Dr Chen Chung Ming, Associate Consultant
Dr Tan Kok Yang, Registrar