Aim — to determine the optimal terms of the second stage of treatment of patients with malignant colonic obstruction. Material and methods. There were 110 patients with colorectal cancer stage T3—4N0M0 (groups I—III, n=69) and T3—4N0—2M0—1 (group IV, n=41). Everybody has been previously treated for colonic obstruction 0,5—6 months ago: stoma in 62 cases, stenting — in 48 cases. Elective radical surgery and radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy were applied in 2 (I group, n=23), 3 (II, n=23), 4 (III, n=23) weeks or 4—6 months (IV, n=41) after colonic decompression. The optimal terms of radical surgery are determined depending on CT-data, histological examination. Results. Bowel wall thickness was significantly higher in I—II groups compared with III—IV groups: 3.7; 2.5; 1.9; 1.7, respectively (p≤0,5). The maximum number of tumor emboli was found in III—IV groups. Signs of focal colitis were absent in III—IV groups. Conclusion. The expediency of the new surgical standard is confirmed. Bridging strategy (stenting and stoma) may be a valid alternative in some patients with malignant colonic obstruction due to reduced postoperative mortality. The optimal terms for resection in patients with local cancer is 4 weeks after colonic decompression, in locally advanced cancer — 4—6 months.