[Utilization of the small intestine fistula technique in paralytic ileus. Report on clinical experience].

Seventy-three patients with paralytic ileus hospitalized at the Surgical Clinic of the Hospital in Herford during the years 1971-1975 are reviewed. All the patients were treated with a small bowel fistula according to a modified technique of Witzel-Heidenhain. The special indication, the technical details, and the results are discussed. The overall mortality of a total of 73 patients with paralytic ileus undergoing a small bowel fistula operation was 19%. The temporary small bowel fistula according to the modified technique of Witzel-Heidenhain is proposed as a simple, safe, and with accurate indication an effective method for accomplishing total decompression of distended bowel.