LAPAROSCOPIC TREATMENT OF SMALL-BOWEL OBS TRUCTION ON BAND ADHESIONS

Objectives: Determine the feasability of laparoscopy, with the objecti ve as well as the subjective benefits offered to patients, and the pos sible contra-indications of this type of surgery in the treatment of m echanical intestinal ileus. Patients and material. This concerned 20 p atients who came to the hospital with a picture of intestinal obstruct ion. All had a history of at least one abdominal operation. The diagno sis of mechanical occlusion due to band adhesions was presumed on the basis of the clinical and complementary examinations, particularly x-r ays, and confirmed in the course of the operation. All patients were o perated by laparoscopy after failure of non-invasive treatment. Result s. Results obtained are encouraging since 60% of the patients were suc cessfully treated by laparoscopy alone. The patients' comfort and leng th of hospital stay are improved by laparoscopy. There is no relation between previous surgical history and the results of the technique. Co nclusions: Most failures were due to the time interval between onset o f symptoms and the operation. Early operation therefore seems to incre ase the chances of success.