OBJECTIVETo evaluate the efficacy and safety of covered self-expanding metallic stents (CSEMS) implantation as a treatment option in patients with anastomotic leakages after colorectal cancer surgery.

METHODSShort-term outcomes of 12 patients with anastomotic leakage after colorectal cancer surgery undergoing CSEMS implantation between May 2013 and November 2014 were analyzed retrospectively.

RESULTSThe mean time to diagnosis of anastomotic leakage was 6.3 days (range 2-13). The median time of CSEMS implantation after anastomotic leakage was 8 days (range 2-55). Clinical success without reoperation was achieved in 10 of 12 cases (83.3%) and there was no mortality. The median time to healing of the anastomotic leakage after CSEMS implantation was 13 days (range 10-33). The complications were stent migration (66.7%, 8/12), anorectal pain (58.3%, 7/12), fecal incontinence (25.0%, 3/12) and enterocolic fistula (8.3%, 1/12).

CONCLUSIONStent implantation one week after relief of peritonitis of postoperative colorectal anastomotic leakages, combined with other conservative therapy (early indwelling of transanal double catheterization cannula and pelvic double catheterization cannula with persistent bathe and negative pressure aspiration) in the management of patients with early diagnosed anastomotic leakages is safe and effective.