Radiation stricture of rectosigmoid treated with self-expanding metallic stent

Radiation stricture of the rectosigmoid with obstruction is a difficult clinical problem, and surgery is associated with high mortality and morbidity. We report a case involving radiation stricture of the rectosigmoid in an 80year-old woman who presented with acute colonic obstruction. A self-expanding metallic stent was successfully inserted, and the obstruction was relieved. The stent remained patent for 4 months without any complications until the patient died of sepsis resulting from pneumonia and bedsores. The literature on the use of a metallic stent to manage a benign colon condition was reviewed.