[Complications in primary tumors of the small intestine]

Of 112 000 patients undergoing surgery between 1952 and 1973, 67 had a primary tumor of the small intestine. 22 patients had a benign tumor, 8 a carcinoid, 21 carcinoma and 15 sarcoma. Benign tumors were more frequent in the duodenum and ileum, carcinoids in the terminal ileum and carcinomas in the duodenum and jejunum. Sarcomas were found equally in all parts of the small intestine. The most common symptom for all types of the tumor was variable pain in the abdomen. Loss of weight occurred only in patients with carcinomas and sarcomas; heavy intestinal blood loss was most common in patients with benign tumors. Benign tumors often show invagination, while sarcomas cause occlusive ileus or perforation. All duodenal tumors show heavy intestinal bleeding but hematemesis is rare. Emergency surgery was necessary in 42% of patients with benign tumors or sarcoma and in 30% of patients with carcinoma. Five-year survival in patients with benign tumors is excellent (100%). Compared to this, five-year survival in patients with carcinoma, sarcoma or carcinoids is only 15%.