[Mechanical ileus (author's transl)].

UNLABELLED: 181 patients with mechanical bowel obstruction were treated between 1965 and 1974 at the First Surgical Clinic of the University of Vienna. 172 were operated, 7 had conservative treatment. RESULTS: 1. the mortality was 24,3% and infavorably influenced by a) advanced malignant tumors, b) age over 60 years, c) preexistent peritonitis. -2. Enterotomy for bowel-decompression was in no case followed by a complication.- 3. Nobles operation should be performed only totally and in cases of severe adhaesions. 4. Discussion of the one stage operation in large bowel obstruction, which is only indicated in patients with good general condition. The high letality of 47% after operations in cases with ileus due to carcinosis peritonei requires critical indications for these operations.