Malignant large bowel obstruction caused by colonic adnocarniconma represent a surgical emergency with increased operative morbidity and mortality. Five (41.7%) of 12 cases of colorectal cancer in this study presented as large bower obstruction. Patients presented with advanced tumours in Duke's stages C and D. Colostomy on account of unresectable tumour for left sided tumours and right hemocelectomy for right sided lesions were operative procedures done respectively with poor outcome. Maglignant lesions of the large bowel are not common in this environment and colonic obstruction is a common mode of presentation with sigmoid and caecum commly affected. Review of current literature provides evidence of the safety of single stage procedure while endoluminal stenting would convert emergencies to elective cases with better outcome. Nigerian Journal of Surgical Sciences Vol. 15(2) 2005: 67-70