[Incomplete ileus of carcinoid tumor of the small intestine--limits of laparoscopic surgical technique].

A patient with small bowel obstruction is presented. Separating adhesions at the terminal ileum laparoscopically a carcinoid tumour at Bauhin's valve was overlooked. Two weeks later the patient was resubmitted because of obstructive problems and the tumour was diagnosed at a conventional laparotomy. Basing on this case problems of laparoscopic treatment of bowel obstruction are discussed in general, and in special the decreased tactile abilities of the surgeon are mentioned.