[Small intestine plication by the Noble method. Critical evaluation with reference to its results]

Based on our own cases (1964-1979) the indications for and the surgical technique of small intestine-plication (Noble-procedure) are discussed. The mean follow-up period was 10.3 years. Utilizing this surgical procedure 87% of 15 patients treated for chronically recurring adhesive ileus experienced good results. These statistics correlate with other publications that propose recurrent adhesive ileus as the 'indicatio causalis' for Noble-procedure. Possible major complications and the problem of symptoms from adhesions occurring or persisting after small intestine-plication are demonstrated with reference to our own cases.