Optimal Timing of Surgery After Insertion of Self-Expandable Metallic Stent to Obstructive Colorectal Neoplasm as a Bridge to Surgery

Background and Aims: Colonic stenting using self-expandable metallic stents (SEMS) as a bridge to surgery offers an effective alternative to emergency surgery for the management of malignant colorectal obstruction. However, the optimal timing of elective surgery after stenting remains controversial. Methods: This retrospective multicenter cohort study analyzed 380 patients with obstructive colorectal cancer who were treated with SEMS as a bridge to surgery. Patients were categorized into four groups based on the time from stent insertion to surgery: within 7 days, 8–14 days, 15–21 days, and 22 days or more. Results: The study cohort had a slight male predominance (55.8%), with an average age of 65.8 years. Most surgeries (74.2%) were laparoscopically performed. No significant differences were observed in stoma formation rates or postoperative complications between the different timing groups. Similarly, recurrence-free survival, overall survival, locoregional recurrence, and distant metastasis rates showed no significant variations with the timing of post-stenting surgery. A restricted cubic spline curve indicated that surgery within the 15–21-day period post-SEMS insertion resulted in the lowest incidence of stoma formation. Conclusions: Delaying elective surgery for up to 3 weeks post-SEMS placement for obstructive colorectal cancer is recommended, particularly within the 15–21-day period, to minimize stoma formation rates without compromising on long-term outcomes.