Endoscopic ultrasound-guided colo-colostomy in a case of acute large bowel obstruction

Abstract

Bowel obstruction is one of the most common surgical emergencies and a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Standard supportive measures must be instituted as soon as the diagnosis is confirmed. Anastomotic strictures are a benign etiology of intestinal obstruction, occurring in up to 22 % of patients following colorectal resection. Traditionally, endoscopic balloon dilation (EBD) has been the intervention of choice in such cases; however, it may not be feasible in all settings. We report a novel application of the AXIOS stent and electrocautery-enhanced delivery system (Boston Scientific, Marlborough, Massachusetts, United States) to create a colo-colostomy to bypass a sigmoid colon stricture in a 51-year-old woman who presented with acute intestinal obstruction. Despite stent dislodgment during the procedure, the preexisting tract allowed us to improvise our technique with a second LAMS placement. The patient was discharged well 48 hours after the procedure. However, 4 months later, she required a session of EBD following a presentation for fecal impaction. She is currently asymptomatic and being followed up regularly as an outpatient.

Fig. 1

Emergent CT of the abdomen.

Fig. 2

Colonoscopy revealed a tight colon stricture.

Fig. 3

Trans-colonic endoscopic ultrasound.

Fig. 4

Introduction of the stent over the guidewire in the preexisting tract.