In Reply With interest, we read the letters from Hallqvist-Everhov et al, Sterpetti, and Zhou et al regarding our article “Comparison of Decompressing Stoma vs Stent as a Bridge to Surgery for Left-Sided Obstructive Colon Cancer.”1
Regarding Hallqvist-Everhov et al, it is interesting to read a similar evaluation of the clinical outcomes after self-expanding metal stent (SEMS) placement and the construction of a decompressing stoma. We agree with their conclusion that the benefits of SEMS placement should be weighed against its potential adverse events. We believe that, until more evidence becomes available, the choice for SEMS or decompressing stoma indeed depends on patient and tumor characteristics, as well as the availability of endoscopists having experience with colonic stenting.