[A method of using intraluminal splints in the treatment and prevention of recurrent ileus of the small intestine].

The authors present a group of 23 patients where splints were used in the loops of the small intestine. The group is divided into two sub-groups. The first one comprises patients where the splint was inserted because of relapsing ileus of the small intestine after previous surgical operations. The second sub-group comprises patients where this operation was performed either preventively or as part of a primary operation or as part of a reoperation called for by complications immediately preceding operation. The internal splint is inserted via jejunostomy and through the loops of the small intestine it is guided by means of a sutured Foley catheter which after proper insertion of the splint is left in the caecum. The authors emphasize the importance of effective decompression of the small intestine during the early postoperative period which is made possible by suction of the ileous contents through lateral openings of the inserted probe. After three years' work, using this method, the authors confirm that it gives good results.