Objective To study the diagnosis and treatment of typhoid intestinal perforation(TIP). Methods The clinical data of 30 cases of TIP treated in our hospital from 1978 to 1998 were retrospectively analysed. Results All 30 cases were performed emergency laparotomy exploration. Of them, 16 cases underwent suture of the perforation, 9 enterectomy and intestinal anastomosis, and 5 exteriorization of intestine. After operation, 2 cases had infection and disruption of incisional wound, 1 pulmonary infection, 1 toxic myocarditis and 4 intestinal fistula. 26 cases curred, 4 cases died including toxic shock in 1 case, intestinal fistula and concomitant asthenia universalis in 3 cases. Conclusions Early diagnosis, early operation and choosing suitable operative procedure are important to reducing the mortality of TIP.