Duodenal ileus: a neglected entity.

A vigorous perusal of the literature, including an on-line computerized medline data base search extending back to 1966, failed to present this problem in regards to transduodenal biliary surgery, although it is mentioned in regards to gastroenteric anastomosis such as the Jaboulay pyloroplasty or gastroenterostomy. A "well" patient with profuse biliary-pancreatic drainage from the T-tube which becomes evident upon resumption of oral feeding can be diagnosed as "duodenal ileus" and can be confirmed with T-tube cholangiogram and upper G.I. series. For the most part, this is an unavoidable complication. It is difficult to predict in which patient it may occur following surgery in this area.