Nasogastrointestinal intraluminal tube stenting in the prevention of recurrent small bowel obstruction.

Nasogastrointestinal intraluminal tube stenting using a Dennis tube (Sherwood Medical St Louis, Missouri, USA) was performed on 25 patients. Two intubations were for midgut volvulus, 13 for small intestinal obstruction after extensive adhesolysis, and 10 as an adjunct to the operative management of enterocutaneous fistulae following extensive adhesolysis, resection and anastomosis. No patient developed recurrent small bowel obstruction for periods up to three years after operation. Use of an intraluminal tube stent in preventing recurrent small bowel obstruction due to adhesions is safe and effective when used on appropriately selected patients. Its effectiveness should be more widely recognized.