[Laparoscopic treatment of small bowel obstruction arising on adhesions].
OBJECTIVE
Determine the feasibility of laparoscopy, with the objective as well as the subjective benefits offered to patients, and the possible contra-indications of this type of surgery in the treatment of mechanical intestinal ileus.


METHODS
This concerned 20 patients who came to the hospital with a picture of intestinal obstruction. All had a history of at least one abdominal operation. The diagnosis of mechanical occlusion due to band adhesions was presumed on the basis of the clinical and complementary examinations, particularly x-rays, and confirmed in the course of the operation. All patients were operated by laparoscopy after failure of non-invasive treatment.


RESULTS
Results obtained are encouraging since 60% of the patients were successfully treated by laparoscopy alone. The patients' comfort and length of hospital stay are improved by laparoscopy. There is no relation between previous surgical history and the results of the technique.


CONCLUSIONS
Most failures were due to the time interval between onset of symptoms and the operation. Early operation therefore seems to increase the chances of success.
Chèvre
F
F
Service de Chirurgie, Hôpital des Cadolles, Neuchâtel, Suisse.
Renggli
J C
JC
Groebli
Y
Y
Tschantz
P
P
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007415:Intestinal Obstruction / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D007421:Intestine, Small; D010535:Laparoscopy; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D000267:Tissue Adhesions / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D017211:Treatment Failure; D016896:Treatment Outcome
Traitement laparoscopique des occlusions du grêle sur brides.