To evaluate the efficacy of colorectal stenting in the palliation of irresectable malignant colonic obstruction. Fifteen patients underwent colorectal stenting for irresectable colonic malignancy. Sixteen stents were placed successfully in 13 patients. Two stent insertions, one a proximal transverse colon lesion, were unsuccessful. Twelve patients (80%) had clinical or radiological features of imminent obstruction. Three patients were completely obstructed. Eighty-six percent of lesions were within the rectosigmoid colon. Technical and clinical success was 88%. Early, minor complications occurred in two patients (13%). Late complications included migration (13%) and ingrowth (19%). The median survival was 2 months (0.5-12 months). Stenting should be considered as definitive treatment in the context of an inoperable malignant stricture of the colon. It has low morbidity and a high technical and clinical success rate and avoids emergency defunctioning surgery in high-risk patients. Copyright 2002 The Royal College of Radiologists.