[Mechanical obstruction of the small intestine]

A group of 193 patients treated for mechanical occlusion of the small intestine in the years 1978-1987 at the hospital in Jasło were analysed. The epidemiological index of this occlusion was 14.8 per 100 thousand of the population annually, the total mortality was 11.4%. The risk was greatest in patients with incarcerated hernia operated on with delay, especially in old age, in whom intestinal resection had to be done. In cases with necessary intestinal resection in the vicinity of the ileocaecal valve the results were better if the valve was resected with adjacent part of the intestine and ileostomy and colostomy was done.