Gastrointestinal Perforation With an Intraluminal Stent and Bevacizumab use in Advanced Metastatic Colorectal Cancer

Intestinal obstruction is a common acute presentation of advanced rectal cancer, which could be managed with surgical or non-surgical techniques including metallic stenting. Bevacizumab has been gaining popularity in the treatment of advanced colorectal cancer (CRC) in combination with different chemotherapeutic agents, to improve the overall survival rate; however, data regarding the adverse effects of bevacizumab in combination with other treatment modalities have been insufficient. Herein, we present a case of a 37-year-old man diagnosed with advanced rectal cancer with concurrent liver and lung metastases. He was started on Xelox (capecitabine plus oxaliplatin) chemotherapy in combination with bevacizumab for palliative care. He developed an episode of bowel obstruction, which was managed with emergent placement of a metallic stent. Soon after that, the patient presented emergently with signs and symptoms of intestinal perforation. He underwent emergent surgical intervention with stoma creation and a complicated hospital course. Despite the oncological benefits of bevacizumab for treating metastatic CRC, complications can occur resulting in a devastating outcome, with intestinal perforation being the most serious rare complication.