[Palliative therapy of gastrointestinal obstruction]

Gastrointestinal obstruction is a frequently observed emergency with tumor patients. In addition to tumor relapse, the development of a second tumor or intraperitoneal tumor spreading, and benign alterations in advanced tumor stages (radiogenic stenosis, adhesions) may also be the cause for the obstruction. The main objective of therapy is an attempt to eliminate the intestinal obstruction through surgery. If this is not possible because of advanced intra-abdominal tumor expansion, several endoscopic or interventional radiology methods, and drugs are available, that are used on an individual basis and based on prevailing experience to relieve the patient's condition.