This report concerns 70 cases of occlusion of the mesenteric vessels, 32 arterial and 38 venous. Clinical symptoms and possibilities of therapy are discussed. Operative therapy was carried out in only 19 patients, 5 of whom survived. The time between the first symptoms and the operation essentially influences the prognosis. Postoperative anti-coagulation seems to be significant. The value of a 'second-look' operation is dubious.