The case of a 71 year old man is reported, in which coproliths developed in the small intestines over a period of 13 years and which finally lead to a complete ileus. This condition is discussed in connection with other rare forms of ileus; specific clinical phenomena are pointed out, which might be helpful in establishing a correct diagnosis. Among the transient forms of ileus associated with food intake, which may cause the patient only slight discomfort, one should bear in mind a corpus alienum-ileus. Only operative therapy of ileus is promising success.