[Adhesion prophylaxis: treatment with tube splints (author's transl)]

One of the stated goals of the abdominal surgeon is to find a sure prophylaxis for the threat of ileus due to adhesions. The numerous conservative methods, such as intra-abdominal dispensing of campher oil, olive oil, etc., are viewed in relation to the operative procedures of small intestine plication according to Nobel and mesenteric plication according to Child. Both operations, however, are accompanied by numerous complications. Inner intestinal splints with long tubes have proved efficacious in the prophylaxis of adhesions in early postoperative ileus. The tube is doubly effective: It relieves the intestine and thereby aids in better microcirculation of the intestinal wall and simultaneously guarantees a splinting of the intestine in the physiologically correct position. On the average, the tube is removed after 12-14 days.