Technology insight: enteral stenting and new technology

Self-expandable metal stents (SEMS) have gained acceptance for use in the gastrointestinal tract in order to relieve malignant luminal obstruction. In the upper gastrointestinal tract SEMS are used as an alternative to surgical bypass for palliation of malignant gastric-outlet obstruction. In the colon, SEMS are used to avoid colostomy during palliation and as a bridge to surgery for left-sided colonic obstruction. Enteral SEMS appear to be cost effective. This article reviews the latest in stent technology as well as the outcomes following their placement.