[Laparoscopic surgery of ileus--miscarriage or training problem?]

The first results of laparoscopic surgery for mechanical ileus were analysed according to 3 classification systems of adverse perioperative events (complications). In our series 11 out of 14 patients were unsuitable for laparoscopic surgery mainly due to intraoperative mechanical problems. In 3 patients relevant and potentially hazardous events occurred which induced immediate conversion to laparotomy. Due to the impossibility and inability to completely explore the abdominal cavity, the laparoscopic approach cannot yet be recommended.