Outpatient management of small bowel obstruction in terminal ovarian cancer.

A technique for home gastric decompression and hydration was developed for use in patients with terminal ovarian cancer and bowel obstruction. In three of four patients undergoing a standard gastrostomy the results were unsatisfactory, requiring reintubation. The two most recent patients on whom the technique was used were able to leave the hospital within two weeks despite their bowel obstruction.