What is a rectal stent?

A rectal stent is a medical device used to treat obstructions in the rectum. Here are some key points about rectal stents:

### Purpose:

- **Relieve Obstructions**: Used to relieve obstructions caused by tumors, particularly in patients with colorectal cancer. It can help maintain bowel function.

- **Palliative Care**: Often used as part of palliative care to improve quality of life for patients with advanced colorectal cancer.

- **Bridge to Surgery**: Sometimes used as a temporary measure to relieve obstruction before surgical intervention.

### Types:

- **Self-Expanding Metal Stents (SEMS)**: Most common type, made of materials like nitinol (nickel-titanium alloy) that can expand once placed in the rectum.

### Procedure:

- **Insertion**: The stent is usually placed endoscopically, meaning a flexible tube with a camera (endoscope) is used to guide the stent into place.

- **Expansion**: Once positioned, the stent expands to open the obstructed area, allowing for the passage of stool.

### Benefits:

- **Non-Surgical**: Provides an alternative to more invasive surgical procedures, which can be particularly beneficial for patients who may not be good candidates for surgery.

- **Symptom Relief**: Quickly alleviates symptoms of obstruction, such as pain, bloating, and constipation.

- **Temporary or Long-Term**: Can be used either as a temporary solution until surgery can be performed or as a long-term palliative measure.

### Risks and Considerations:

- **Complications**: Possible complications include migration of the stent, perforation of the rectum, or re-obstruction due to tumor growth.

- **Patient Selection**: Not suitable for all patients; careful selection and assessment by a healthcare professional are essential.

Rectal stents provide a minimally invasive option to manage rectal obstructions, offering significant symptom relief and improving quality of life for patients with obstructive colorectal conditions.