Operative intubation in the treatment of complicated small bowel obstruction.

Intestinal intubation carried out at laparotomy for complicated small bowel obstruction is not yet a generally accepted technique. Experience in 32 patients has shown that it is safe and effective. The procedure was initially described in North America for use in recurrent adhesive small intestinal obstruction but the indications have been extended and it has proved of value in other difficult situations. A technique for intubation is described and the results obtained in various clinical situations are given.