[Symptomatic alleviation of gastrointestinal symptoms].

Far-advanced cancer patients often have gastrointestinal symptoms. Many of these symptoms are reversible. In this report the causes and treatment options of the most frequent symptoms are demonstrated. Symptoms are dry mouth, anorexia, dysphagia, nausea and vomiting, bowel obstruction, constipation, gall bladder obstruction and bleeding. Focus is on the most challenging symptoms in daily practice, which are nausea, vomiting and bowel obstruction. Ethical dilemmas are often involved. Randomised trials are needed since evidence for treatment is sparse.