[Prognosis and treatment of obstructing carcinoma of the colon and rectum (author's transl)].

From 1955 up to 1976 we observed 1140 patients with cancer of the colon and rectum. Out of these 134 patients had obstruction. Only in 40.3% radical resections could be done; mortality rate (22.0%). 54.7% underwent palliative procedures, 8% were inoperable. The primary mortality rate of this group came up to 62%. Causes were: peritonitis (44.5%), pneumonia (17.3%), pulmonary embolism (12.44%). The 5-year survival-rate for patients under 60 years was 31%.