[Relaparotomy following stomach operations].

From 1977-1982, 1.442 operations of the stomach were performed. In 82 cases a relaparotomy was necessary. In 27 cases the cause was peritonitis with anastomotic insufficiency. 7 patients had generalized peritonitis without anastomotic leakage. 14 had to be reopened because of localized abscesses. 11 patients had a bowel obstruction, 7 patients massive postoperative bleeding. 6 cases developed severe pancreatitis with peritonitis and 5 others developed bile leakage. The rest had several other complications. 47.6% of the reoperated patients died, most of them because of surgical complications. Therefore immediate reoperation should be performed before severe complications occur.