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In the case of an irreversible malignant intestinal obstruction, surgery carries important mortality and morbidity risks. The administration of octreotide together with other conventional drugs represents a favorable and effective alternative for a number of weeks. Description of 4 clinical cases suggests that insertion of a naso-gastric tube may be avoided, and that pain and general discomfort can be managed until death, which occurred on average 57 days after the diagnosis of obstruction. Finally, somatostatin analogues with longer half-life could help keep patients at home rather than in hospitals.