[Artificial gastrointestinal tract in gastrointestinal neoplasms]

From 1970 to 1977 an artificial gut was used in 1350 patients suffering from gastrointestinal cancer. This type of prolonged intestinal assistance was recognized to be an important adjuvant in anticancer therapy with indications prior to, during and following the traditional course of treatment. Prolonged intestinal assistance makes it possible to reestablish or maintain a biological and clinical status in patients who must undergo aggressive anticancer therapy. The indications for its use are multiplying. In 54% of the cases parenteral nutrition is associated with therapy of the curative type and this percentage is continuously increasing.