Identificación de adenomas ocultos en hiperparatiroidismo primario con PET-TC 18F-fluorocolina / Identification of Occult Adenomas in Primary Hyperparathyroidism With 18F-fluorocholine PET/CT

INTRODUCCIÓN: La principal causa de hiperparatiroidismo primario en nuestro medio es el adenoma paratiroideo único. La paratiroidectomía se considera el único tratamiento potencialmente curativo y requiere de estudios de imagen de localización preoperatorios para un abordaje quirúrgico dirigido. En pacientes con negatividad en pruebas convencionales, la PET-TC colina ha demostrado tasas de sensibilidad superiores respecto al gold-standard. MÉTODOS: Se diseñó un estudio de cohortes prospectivo que incluyó a 34 pacientes con diagnóstico de hiperparatiroidismo primario entre 2017 y 2019, candidatos a cirugía con pruebas de imagen con gammagrafía y SPECT-TC MIBI negativas. A todos se les realizó una PET-TC con 18F-fluorocolina. Los resultados se compararon con un grupo control de 30 pacientes con pruebas convencionales positivas intervenidos en el mismo período. RESULTADOS: La PET-TC colina detectó tejido paratiroideo hiperfuncionante en el 85% de los pacientes con gammagrafía previa negativa. Se realizó resección selectiva del adenoma identificado en estos pacientes, con criterio de curación en el 87% de los casos, sin precisar de exploración cervical bilateral. Los niveles de PTH, calcemia y el peso glandular fueron significativamente menores en este grupo con respecto al control. No se identificaron diferencias respecto al criterio de curación ni a la vía de abordaje en ambos grupos. CONCLUSIÓN: En nuestro estudio, la PET-TC colina demostró tasas superiores de detección que permitieron aumentar el número de pacientes candidatos a cirugía dirigida con disminución de la morbilidad quirúrgica, especialmente en grupos con adenomas de menor tamaño asociados a niveles más bajos de calcemia y PTH preoperatorias y en pacientes con cirugías cervicales previas

INTRODUCTION: Single parathyroid adenomas are the most common cause of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHP) in our population. Parathyroidectomy is still the only potentially curative treatment and requires preoperative localization imaging studies to perform selective surgery. In patients with negative results on conventional tests, PET/CT has demonstrated higher sensitivity rates. METHODS: A prospective cohort study was designed, including 34 patients diagnosed with PHP between 2017 and 2019, candidates for surgery with negative preoperative localization tests with scintigraphy and MIBI SPECT/CT. All patients underwent PET/CT with 18F-Fluorocholine. The clinical, biochemical and postoperative outcome results were compared with a control group of 30 patients with positive standard tests. RESULTS: Hyperfunctional parathyroid tissue was detected in 85% of the patients that had undergone choline PET/CT. The selective resection of the adenoma identified in these patients achieved curative criteria in 87% of the cases without undergoing bilateral cervical surgical exploration. The preoperative levels of PTH, calcemia and gland weight were significantly lower in this group compared to the control group. No differences were identified in cure criteria or approach between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: In our study, choline PET/CT showed higher detection rates compared to the gold standard. The increase provides the opportunity to perform unilateral selected adenoma resection, especially in patients with smaller adenomas associated with lower calcemia and PTH levels and patients with previous cervical surgery

Identification of Occult Adenomas in Primary Hyperparathyroidism With 18F-fluorocholine PET/CT. / Identificación de adenomas ocultos en hiperparatiroidismo primario con PET-TC 18F-fluorocolina.

INTRODUCTION: Single parathyroid adenomas are the most common cause of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHP) in our population. Parathyroidectomy is still the only potentially curative treatment and requires preoperative localization imaging studies to perform selective surgery. In patients with negative results on conventional tests, PET/CT has demonstrated higher sensitivity rates. METHODS: A prospective cohort study was designed, including 34 patients diagnosed with PHP between 2017 and 2019, candidates for surgery with negative preoperative localization tests with scintigraphy and MIBI SPECT/CT. All patients underwent PET/CT with 18F-Fluorocholine. The clinical, biochemical and postoperative outcome results were compared with a control group of 30 patients with positive standard tests. RESULTS: Hyperfunctional parathyroid tissue was detected in 85% of the patients that had undergone choline PET/CT. The selective resection of the adenoma identified in these patients achieved curative criteria in 87% of the cases without undergoing bilateral cervical surgical exploration. The preoperative levels of PTH, calcemia and gland weight were significantly lower in this group compared to the control group. No differences were identified in cure criteria or approach between the 2groups. CONCLUSION: In our study, choline PET/CT showed higher detection rates compared to the gold standard. The increase provides the opportunity to perform unilateral selected adenoma resection, especially in patients with smaller adenomas associated with lower calcemia and PTH levels and patients with previous cervical surgery.

Inserción de prótesis pancreáticas tras la canulación involuntaria con guía del Wirsung en la CPRE / Pancreatic stent insertion after an unintentional guidewire cannulation of the pancreatic duct during ERCP

Introducción: en los intentos de canulación del colédoco durante la colangiopancreatografía retrógrada endoscópica (CPRE) la guía puede entrar en el conducto pancreático. No está definido qué maniobra es más eficaz para canular la vía biliar y prevenir la pancreatitis tras pasar la guía al Wirsung. Objetivo: estudiar la tasa de canulación coledociana y de pancreatitis post-CPRE cuando en la primera ocasión en que la guía pasó al conducto pancreático de forma involuntaria se insertó una prótesis pancreática. Material y métodos: análisis retrospectivo de pacientes a los que se realizó una CPRE para drenaje biliar e incluidos de forma prospectiva en una base de datos. Tras la inserción involuntaria de una guía en el conducto pancreático se insertó una prótesis plástica recta de 5 Fr y 4 cm de longitud, sin topes internos para facilitar su expulsión. El colédoco se intentó canular por encima de la prótesis. En los pacientes mayores de 60 años se realizó una esfinterotomía pancreática antes de insertar la prótesis. Resultados: en un grupo de 154 CPRE se insertaron 46 prótesis pancreáticas (29,8%) y en estos casos el colédoco se canuló en el 95,6% (44/46) de las ocasiones. Se realizaron 21/46 (45,6%) esfinterotomías pancreáticas. Hubo 1/46 (2,17%) pancreatitis leves. La mayoría de las prótesis se expulsaron de forma espontánea. Conclusiones: en este estudio, la inserción de una prótesis pancreática plástica cuando la guía ha pasado al conducto pancreático de forma involuntaria en los intentos de canulación del colédoco ayudó a canular la vía biliar en la mayoría de las ocasiones, sin que la inserción de las prótesis produjera efectos adversos

Introduction: the guidewire (GW) may enter the pancreatic duct during common bile duct (CBD) cannulation attempts in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). After GW passage into the pancreas, the most effective maneuver for CBD cannulation and pancreatitis prevention has not been determined. Aim: to study CBD cannulation and post-ERCP pancreatitis rates when a pancreatic stent is inserted after an unintentional GW cannulation of the pancreatic duct. Material and methods: a retrospective analysis of patients undergoing ERCP for biliary drainage that were included prospectively into a database. After unintentional GW cannulation of the pancreatic duct, a straight 5-Fr and 4-cm long plastic stent was inserted. The stents had no internal flaps to facilitate expulsion. CBD cannulation attempts were made above the stent. A pancreatic sphincterotomy was performed in patients older than 60 years before stent insertion. Results: a total of 46 pancreatic stents were inserted during 154 ERCP (29.8%) procedures. In the stent group, CBD cannulation was accomplished in 44/46 (95.6%) subjects. A total of 21/46 (45.6%) pancreatic sphincterotomies were performed. Only 1/46 (2.17%) mild pancreatitis cases were observed and most stents were spontaneously expelled. Conclusions: in this study, the CBD was eventually reached with the insertion of a plastic pancreatic stent after an unintentional GW passage into the pancreatic duct while attempting a CBD cannulation. No adverse events were observed following pancreatic stent insertion

Pancreatic stent insertion after an unintentional guidewire cannulation of the pancreatic duct during ERCP.

INTRODUCTION: the guidewire (GW) may enter the pancreatic duct during common bile duct (CBD) cannulation attempts in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). After GW passage into the pancreas, the most effective maneuver for CBD cannulation and pancreatitis prevention has not been determined. AIM: to study CBD cannulation and post-ERCP pancreatitis rates when a pancreatic stent is inserted after an unintentional GW cannulation of the pancreatic duct. MATERIAL AND METHODS: a retrospective analysis of patients undergoing ERCP for biliary drainage that were included prospectively into a database. After unintentional GW cannulation of the pancreatic duct, a straight 5-Fr and 4-cm long plastic stent was inserted. The stents had no internal flaps to facilitate expulsion. CBD cannulation attempts were made above the stent. A pancreatic sphincterotomy was performed in patients older than 60 years before stent insertion. RESULTS: a total of 46 pancreatic stents were inserted during 154 ERCP (29.8%) procedures. In the stent group, CBD cannulation was accomplished in 44/46 (95.6%) subjects. A total of 21/46 (45.6%) pancreatic sphincterotomies were performed. Only 1/46 (2.17%) mild pancreatitis cases were observed and most stents were spontaneously expelled. CONCLUSIONS: in this study, the CBD was eventually reached with the insertion of a plastic pancreatic stent after an unintentional GW passage into the pancreatic duct while attempting a CBD cannulation. No adverse events were observed following pancreatic stent insertion.

Diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound and fine-needle aspiration in the study of thyroid nodule and multinodular goitre.

OBJECTIVE: Ultrasonography and cytology obtained by fine-needle aspiration are part of the basic study of the thyroid nodule. Although they are not diagnostic in every case, they are cost-effective methods that inform surgical treatment and its extent. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of ultrasonography associated with fine-needle aspiration to predict malignancy in nodular thyroid pathology. DESIGN AND PATIENTS: We collected prospective data from patients undergoing thyroidectomy by single nodule or multinodular goitre between 2006 and 2016. A total of 417 patients were included. Ultrasounds were classified as suspected of malignancy if they had 2 or more of the following characteristics: hypoechogenicity, microcalcifications, intranodular central hypervascularization, irregular margins and poorly defined edges. MEASUREMENTS: Ultrasound and fine-needle aspiration accuracy. RESULTS: In the postoperative study, 40% presented malignant pathology. 33% of patients with nonsuspicious ultrasound and 73% of those with suspicious ultrasound had malignant disease. Among patients with single nodule and suspicious ultrasound, the malignancy rate reached 80%. As for cytology, 100% of Bethesda VI patients, 88% of V, 63% of IV, 31% of III and 12% of II were found to have carcinoma. The combination of the 2 tests showed a high predictive value, particularly in cases of Bethesda IV cytology. CONCLUSIONS: Thyroid cytology provides high predictive value of the presence of carcinoma. The predictive value of ultrasound is also high, mainly in the study of isolated nodules. The combination of the 2 tests results in increased diagnostic accuracy.

Lesión acral como primera manifestación de un adenocarcinoma de colon metastásico / Acral injury as first manifestation of a metastatic adenocarcinoma of the colon

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Fully covered self-expanding metal stents in the management of difficult common bile duct stones.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: plastic biliary stents are often used after an ERCP session without complete common bile duct stones (CBDS) extraction. Sometimes, the volume of biliary drainage with these stents may be insufficient. We present our experience with the use of fully covered self-expanding metal stents (FCSEMS) in the setting of incomplete CBDS extraction. PATIENTS AND METHODS: after an ERCP session with difficult CBDS not completely removed, biliary FCSEMS (Wallflex) were inserted in some patients when it was deemed that biliary sphincterotomy and a single plastic stent would not provide an adequate drainage. RESULTS: a retrospective study was performed. Biliary FCSEMS were inserted in 29 patients, mean age 81 years. CBDS could not be extracted through a biliary sphincterotomy due to its large size (n = 18) or because of the presence of inflammatory distal strictures (n = 11). The greatest biliary drainage with shortest ERCP time was considered mandatory due to clinical instability of patients and/or poor tolerance to conscious sedation administered by the endoscopist. Successful biliary drainage was obtained in all cases. FCSEMS were removed after a median of 199.5 days in 16 patients with a complete CBDS extraction in 15 (93.7%). FCSEMS were not removed in the remaining 13 patients due to their clinical condition, and a wait-and-see strategy was undertaken. CONCLUSIONS: in selected cases, utilization of removable FCSEMS can be a good option for a quick and adequate biliary drainage in the setting of difficult CBDS. Because of the higher cost of these stents its use needs to be individualized.

Prótesis metálicas autoexpandibles totalmente recubiertas en el tratamiento de coledocolitiasis difíciles / Fully covered self-expanding metal stents in the management of difficult common bile duct stones

Introducción y objetivos: las prótesis biliares plásticas suelen emplearse tras una sesión de CPRE sin extracción completa de coledocolitiasis. En ocasiones, el calibre de drenaje con estas prótesis puede ser insuficiente. Presentamos nuestra experiencia en la utilización de prótesis metálicas autoexpandibles totalmente recubiertas (PMATR) en coledocolitiasis no extraídas. Pacientes y métodos: se insertó una PMATR (Wallflex biliar) en algunos pacientes con coledocolitiasis difíciles no extraídas tras una sesión de CPRE cuando se consideró que la esfinterotomía biliar y una prótesis plástica no aportaban un calibre de drenaje adecuado. Resultados: estudio retrospectivo en el que se utilizó una PMATR en 29 pacientes, edad media 81 años. Las coledocolitiasis no pudieron extraerse por la esfinterotomía biliar debido a su gran tamaño (n = 18) o por la presencia de estenosis distal inflamatoria (n = 11). Se consideró que era preciso el mayor drenaje biliar con el menor tiempo posible de CPRE debido a la situación de inestabilidad clínica de los pacientes y/o a la mala tolerancia a la sedación consciente administrada por el endoscopista. Se obtuvo un drenaje biliar adecuado en todos los casos. Las PMATR se retiraron tras una mediana de 199,5 días en 16 pacientes, obteniéndose una extracción completa de las coledocolitiasis en 15 (93,7%). No se extrajeron las PMATR en los 13 restantes debido a su situación clínica, manteniéndose una conducta expectante. Conclusiones: en casos seleccionados, la utilización de PMATR extraíbles es una buena opción para obtener un drenaje biliar adecuado y rápido en coledocolitiasis difíciles. El mayor coste de estas prótesis precisa que se individualice su utilización(AU)

Background and objectives: plastic biliary stents are often used after an ERCP session without complete common bile duct stones (CBDS) extraction. Sometimes, the volume of biliary drainage with these stents may be insufficient. We present our experience with the use of fully covered self-expanding metal stents (FCSEMS) in the setting of incomplete CBDS extraction. Patients and methods: after an ERCP session with difficult CBDS not completely removed, biliary FCSEMS (Wallflex) were inserted in some patients when it was deemed that biliary sphincterotomy and a single plastic stent would not provide an adequate drainage. Results: a retrospective study was performed. Biliary FCSEMS were inserted in 29 patients, mean age 81 years. CBDS could not be extracted through a biliary sphincterotomy due to its large size (n = 18) or because of the presence of inflammatory distal strictures (n = 11). The greatest biliary drainage with shortest ERCP time was considered mandatory due to clinical instability of patients and/or poor tolerance to conscious sedation administered by the endoscopist. Successful biliary drainage was obtained in all cases. FCSEMS were removed after a median of 199.5 days in 16 patients with a complete CBDS extraction in 15 (93.7%). FCSEMS were not removed in the remaining 13 patients due to their clinical condition, and a wait-and-see strategy was undertaken. Conclusions: in selected cases, utilization of removable FCSEMS can be a good option for a quick and adequate biliary drainage in the setting of difficult CBDS. Because of the higher cost of these stents its use needs to be individualized(AU)

Criterios estándar versus clasificación de Rosemont para el diagnóstico ecoendoscópico de pancreatitis crónica / Standard criteria versus Rosemont classification for EUS-diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis

Objetivo: analizar las posibles diferencias en el diagnóstico final de pancreatitis crónica empleando los criterios estándar descritos por Wiersema y cols. y la nueva clasificación propuesta recientemente en Rosemont. Material y métodos: se incluyen 47 pacientes con diagnóstico de pancreatitis crónica. Se estudian los criterios parenquimatosos y ductales, dividiendo a los pacientes en 2 grupos según los criterios de Wiersema: < 4 criterios, no diagnóstico de pancreatitis crónica, >= 4 criterios, diagnóstico de pancreatitis crónica. Se estudiaron nuevamente dichos pacientes aplicando la clasificación de Rosemont: páncreas normal, indeterminado, sugestivo y diagnóstico de pancreatitis crónica. Se analizaron estos datos con la prueba estadística Chi-cuadrado con un intervalo de confianza de 95%. Resultados: en los pacientes con pancreatitis crónica el criterio presente con mayor frecuencia es la lobularidad en 66% de los casos seguido de la dilatación del Wirsung y la presencia de calcificaciones en 57,4% respectivamente. Se observó una asociación estadísticamente significativa entre los resultados de ambas clasificaciones (p < 0,05). La mayor asociación se encontró para pacientes que presentaban más de 4 criterios estándar y diagnóstico definitivo de pancreatitis crónica según la clasificación de Rosemont. Sin embargo, los pacientes que presentaron menos de 4 criterios estándar fueron sugestivos de pancreatitis crónica mediante el empleo de la clasificación de Rosemont en un 27,66% de los casos (p < 0,05). Conclusión: estos resultados muestran que no existen diferencias estadísticamente significativas para los pacientes que presentan >= 4 criterios diagnósticos según los criterios estándar. No obstante, 27,66% pacientes con menos de 4 criterios estándar serían sugestivos de pancreatitis crónica según la clasificación de Rosemont (p < 0,05). Por tanto, esta nueva clasificación sería útil para pacientes con elevada sospecha de pancreatitis crónica que presenten < 4 criterios estándar pero con presencia de criterios de mayor importancia como las calcificaciones intraparenquimatosas, la lobularidad o las litiasis intraductales(AU)

Aim: to study the possible differences in the final diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis by using standard classification described by Wiersema et al. and the new classification proposed recently by Ro - semont. Material and methods: forty-seven patients with the diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis were included in this study. The parenchymal and ductal criteria were studied, the patients were divided in two groups for Wiersema criteria: < 4 criteria, non-diagnostic for chronic pancreatitis and >= 4 criteria, diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis. The same patients were divided in four groups according to Rosemont classification: normal pancreas, indeterminate, suggestive and consistent with chronic pancreatitis. We analyzed these data with Chisquare test reported with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: in patients with chronic pancreatitis the most frequent criteria observed were lobularity in 66% of cases and pancreatic duct dilatation and calcifications in 57.4% of cases each. We found a significant statistical association between the results of both classifications (p < 0.05). The highest association is found in patients with more than 4 standard criteria and definitive diagnostic of chronic pancreatitis according to Rosemont classification. In patients who have less than 4 standard criteria the diagnosis is suggestive of chronic pancreatitis by using the Rosemont classification in 27.66% (p < 0.05). Conclusion: these results show that no significant statistical differences are found for patients with > 4 criteria diagnosis by standard criteria. But 27.66% patients with less than 4 standard criteria would be suggestive according to Rosemont classification (p < 0.05). Hence, the new classification would be useful in patients with high suspicion of chronic pancreatitis with < 4 standard criteria but with more significance such as parenchymal lithiasis, lobularity or ductal calcifications(AU)

Standard criteria versus Rosemont classification for EUS-diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis.

AIM: to study the possible differences in the final diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis by using standard classification described by Wiersema et al. and the new classification proposed recently by Rosemont. MATERIAL AND METHODS: forty-seven patients with the diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis were included in this study. The parenchymal and ductal criteria were studied, the patients were divided in two groups for Wiersema criteria: < 4 criteria, non-diagnostic for chronic pancreatitis and ≥ 4 criteria, diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis. The same patients were divided in four groups according to Rosemont classification: normal pancreas, indeterminate, suggestive and consistent with chronic pancreatitis. We analyzed these data with Chisquare test reported with 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: in patients with chronic pancreatitis the most frequent criteria observed were lobularity in 66% of cases and pancreatic duct dilatation and calcifications in 57.4% of cases each. We found a significant statistical association between the results of both classifications (p < 0.05). The highest association is found in patients with more than 4 standard criteria and definitive diagnostic of chronic pancreatitis according to Rosemont classification. In patients who have less than 4 standard criteria the diagnosis is suggestive of chronic pancreatitis by using the Rosemont classification in 27.66% (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: these results show that no significant statistical differences are found for patients with > 4 criteria diagnosis by standard criteria. But 27.66% patients with less than 4 standard criteria would be suggestive according to Rosemont classification (p < 0.05). Hence, the new classification would be useful in patients with high suspicion of chronic pancreatitis with < 4 standard criteria but with more significance such as parenchymal lithiasis, lobularity or ductal calcifications.

Inserción endoscópica de prótesis metálicas autoexpandibles en obstrucciones tumorales del colon / Endoscopic insertion of self-expanding metal stents in malignant colonic obstructions

Antecedentes y objetivo: Las prótesis metálicas autoexpandibles se están utilizando, cada vez con más frecuencia, para resolver la obstrucción colónica tumoral. Después, los pacientes pueden intervenirse de forma electiva o bien, en casos no aptos para la cirugía, la prótesis sirve como tratamiento paliativo definitivo. Presentamos la experiencia de esta técnica en un hospital de nivel II del Sistema Nacional de Salud. Pacientes y métodos: Estudio retrospectivo de un período de 42 meses (desde mayo de 2002 hasta octubre de 2005), durante el cual se trató de resolver la obstrucción colónica en 43 ocasiones a 40 pacientes, mediante la inserción endoscópica de prótesis. Resultados: La inserción fue técnicamente posible en 41 intentos (95%) y se obtuvo un buen resultado clínico en 37 ocasiones (86%). Se utilizó sólo endoscopia 23 veces (53,5%), y en las otras 20 (46,5%) también fluoroscopia. De los 38 pacientes en que se obtuvo un buen resultado con la inserción, 34 lograron un éxito clínico total. Se intervino de forma electiva a 24 (63%) pacientes y la prótesis se consideró un tratamiento paliativo definitivo en 14 (37%). Hubo que intervenir finalmente a uno de estos pacientes por una fístula colovesical. Además de esta complicación, hubo otras 8: 3 prótesis migraron, una se obstruyó, 2 pacientes tuvieron tenesmo, otro presentó una bacteriemia tras la inserción, y se descubrió una perforación silente por la prótesis en una cirugía electiva. No hubo mortalidad derivada de las complica ciones. Conclusiones: En nuestra experiencia, la inserción endoscópica de prótesis parece un método seguro y eficaz en el tratamiento inicial de la obstrucción colónica tumoral

Background and objective: Self-expanding metal stents are being increasingly used to resolve malignant colonic obstruction. Subsequently, patients can either undergo elective surgery, or the stent can serve as a definitive palliative treatment in patients unfit for surgery. We present our experience with this technique in our hospital, a level II center within the Spanish National Health Service, which can be considered a community hospital. Patients and methods: A retrospective study was performed of a 42-month period (May 2002 to October 2005), during which malignant colonic obstruction was treated by means of endoscopically inserted stents on 43 occasions in 40 patients. Results: Stent insertion was successfully performed in 41 attempts (95%) and good clinical results were obtained on 37 occasions (86%). Endoscopic means alone were used on 23 occasions (53.5%) and in the remaining 20 (46.5%), both endoscopy and fluoroscopy were employed. Of 38 patients with successfully inserted stents, clinical success was achieved, as a whole, in 34. Twenty-four of these patients (63%) subsequently underwent elective surgery while the stent served as a definitive palliative treatment in the remaining 14 (37%). One of these patients had to undergo further surgery due to a fistula between the colon and the bladder. There were eight other complications: three stent migrations and one stent obstruction occurred, two patients had tenesmus, one patient developed bacteremia after stent insertion, and a silent bowel perforation by the stent was found in an elective surgical procedure. There was no mortality. Conclusions: In our experience, endoscopically inserted stents seem to be a safe and effective method for the initial treatment of malignant colonic obstruction

[Endoscopic insertion of self-expanding metal stents in malignant colonic obstructions]. / Inserción endoscópica de prótesis metálicas autoexpandibles en obstrucciones tumorales del colon.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Self-expanding metal stents are being increasingly used to resolve malignant colonic obstruction. Subsequently, patients can either undergo elective surgery, or the stent can serve as a definitive palliative treatment in patients unfit for surgery. We present our experience with this technique in our hospital, a level II center within the Spanish National Health Service, which can be considered a community hospital. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was performed of a 42-month period (May 2002 to October 2005), during which malignant colonic obstruction was treated by means of endoscopically inserted stents on 43 occasions in 40 patients. RESULTS: Stent insertion was successfully performed in 41 attempts (95%) and good clinical results were obtained on 37 occasions (86%). Endoscopic means alone were used on 23 occasions (53.5%) and in the remaining 20 (46.5%), both endoscopy and fluoroscopy were employed. Of 38 patients with successfully inserted stents, clinical success was achieved, as a whole, in 34. Twenty-four of these patients (63%) subsequently underwent elective surgery while the stent served as a definitive palliative treatment in the remaining 14 (37%). One of these patients had to undergo further surgery due to a fistula between the colon and the bladder. There were eight other complications: three stent migrations and one stent obstruction occurred, two patients had tenesmus, one patient developed bacteremia after stent insertion, and a silent bowel perforation by the stent was found in an elective surgical procedure. There was no mortality. CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, endoscopically inserted stents seem to be a safe and effective method for the initial treatment of malignant colonic obstruction.