Secondary peritoneal carcinoma occurs in cases of malignant bowel disease after the initial curative operation or rarely after palliative surgery. The main problems are frequent overshoot in the diagnosis and correct management. Based on our experience with 101 patients with secondary peritoneal carcinoma treated over the last 10 years, we determined the therapeutic possibilities. In 23% of the cases no surgery was possible and in only 4% underwent a second palliative operation. Survival was basically dependent on the initial malignant disease. More aggressive therapeutic methods are currently under study.