[Present possibilities and the role of imaging methods in the diagnosis of acute abdomen, particularly ileus].

The authors compare the importance of modern imaging methods and simple X-rays of the abdomen for the accurate diagnosis of ileus conditions. They discuss the possibilities of different methods and emphasize the importance of series of simple X-rays of the abdomen in different positions. The objective of the recommended procedures is to examine as well as possible a group of patients with an obstruction in the small or large intestine, to localize the obstruction, assess its etiology and not merely state that on the simple X-ray the horizontal beam reveals levels.