[Primary tumors of the small intestine]

The authors had 27 patients with tumors of the small intestine. In 23 the tumors were malignant and in 4 patients--benign. Adenocarcinoma and sarcoma were encountered in 85.5% of cases. In 22 of the 27 patients the diagnosis was established only after complications (obstructive ileus, perforation, hemorrhage) developed. The difficult diagnosis of tumors of the small intestine has a negative effect on the results of surgical treatment. In the group of 23 patients with malignant tumors 15 were treated by a radical operation. All were discharged from the clinic; 8 have a survival period of less than 5 years, 7 have a survival period of over 5 years. It is concluded that only early diagnosis can improve the results of the operation.