Veld JV, Amelung FJ, Borstlap WAA, et al. - Researchers compared decompressing stoma (DS) vs self-expandable metal stent (SEMS) as a bridge to surgery for nonlocally advanced left-sided obstructive colon cancer using propensity score matching. In this national, population-based cohort study performed at at 75 of 77 hospitals in the Netherlands, they identified a total of 4,216 patients with left-sided obstructive colon cancer who underwent treatment from January 1, 2009, to December 31, 2016, from the Dutch Colorectal Audit; of these, they studied 3,153 patients. Following exclusions, bridge to surgery was undertaken in 443 patients (240 undergoing DS and 203 undergoing SEMS). After propensity score matching, they identified a longer hospital stay during the bridging interval, more primary anastomoses, more stomas after resection, fewer major resection–related complications, and more subsequent interventions among patients treated with a decompressing stoma. They observed no significant disparities in locoregional recurrence, disease-free survival, and overall survival. Findings suggest still existence of equipoise in the management of left-sided obstructive colon cancer. .