Surgical stress response includes an inflammatory response with production of enzymes which promote tumour progression and potentially alter tumour microenvironment in colorectal cancer patients. SEMS placement as a "bridge-to-surgery" approach was introduced alternatively to acute resection to improve short-term outcomes and mortality. However, SEMS may lead to inflammation with potential long-term oncological complications. The anti-inflammatory effect of NSAID is used in gastrointestinal procedures to elude inflammatory complications. This review summarises the current knowledge in this field and asks whether this could be transferred to other GI procedures e.g. self-expandable metal stent placement.