Alternative to Emergency Surgery for a Colon Blockage?

Endoscopic Technique May Trump Emergency Surgery

Research published in BMC Gastroenterology explained an option for avoiding high-risk emergency surgery when a tumor is blocking the colon.

Specifically, the study reported two cases where doctors used endoscopes (basically, tubes with a wire like a colonoscope) to remove pieces of the tumor so the colon wasn't blocked anymore.

The researchers presented this "endoscopic debulking" method as a safe alternative to emergency surgery. Just something to keep in mind if you or a loved one is ever in that situation.

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_{Source: Ramadori, G. and Lindhorst, A. "Colorectal Tumors with Complete Obstruction - Endoscopic Recovery of Passage Replacing Emergency Surgery? A Report of Two Cases." Gastroenterology 7.14 (28 Mar. 2007): Published online. Accessed 31 Mar. 2007 [http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-230X/7/14/abstract].}