[Late results of the Noble operation. Clinical and radiological follow-up examination].

The results of 58 Noble operations performed during the period between 1964 and 1973 are reported. A partial operation was carried out in 9 cases. In 4 cases there were fatal complications due to technical errors such as too long a terminal ilial loop and direct suture to the intestine. Two cases of late ileus were observed after 2 and 6 months respectively following a partial plication. Follow-up examination at an average of 4 years after Noble operation showed that 26 patients were free of complaint. The Noble operation is best suited for cases with chronic recurrent adhesion ileus when a permanent folding of the small intestine is necessary. For other indications, the newer alternative procedures. (Childs and Phillips and Reiffersceid and Phillip's small intestine splinting) should be used.