[Subtotal colectomy in the treatment of intestinal obstruction in cancer of the left half of the colon].

Eleven cases of acute obstructing carcinoma of the left colon were treated by emergency subtotal colectomy with immediate ileocolorectal anastomosis. The procedure of on-table closed antegrade preparation of the small bowel has been developed by the authors preventing the anastomosis incompetence. In all cases during postoperative treatment the long-tube decompression, enteral tube feeding and HBO were used. Two patients died. In five cases non-fatal postoperative complications have developed. Further research is recommended for more careful selection of patients for the procedure.