Adult intussusception necessitates early surgical intervention. We emphasis the significance of considering diffuse large B-Cell lymphoma in differential diagnoses for adult intussusception, particularly in the colon, to ensure precise diagnosis and optimal management.

Adult small bowel intussusception (SBI) differs in incidence, symptomatology and management from the more commonly encountered paediatric intussusception. This review spans across the multitude of causes of adult SBI, and summarises the diagnostic work-up and management options according to recent literature.

There has been an increase in use of small bowel capsule endoscopy and point-of-care ultrasound for the diagnosis of acute adult SBI.

A high degree of suspicion of a malignant cause of SBI is required in the adult population. Alarm clinical features include weight loss, history of malignancy, and iron deficiency anaemia. CT remains the gold standard imaging technique as it may identify the lead point and thus aid in endoscopic or surgical management. If malignancy is excluded and no lead point is identified, serology and histology may be helpful to look for inflammatory, infective and autoimmune aetiology.

Abdominal pain is a common presentation to the emergency department (ED) and the differential diagnoses is broad. Intussusception is more common in children, with only 5% of cases reported in adults. 80%-90% of adult intussusception is due to a well-defined lesion resulting in a lead point, whereas in children, most cases are idiopathic. The most common site of involvement in adults is the small bowel. Treatment in adults is generally operative management whereas in children, a more conservative approach is taken with non-operative reduction. We present a case of a 54-year-old woman who presented to our ED with severe abdominal pain and vomiting. CT of the abdomen revealed a jejunojejunal intussusception. The patient had an urgent laparoscopy and small bowel resection of the intussusception segment was performed. Histopathological examination of the resected specimen found no pathologic lead point and, therefore, the intussusception was determined to be idiopathic.

Appendiceal intussusception is an uncommon pathologic condition; however, villous adenoma of the appendix is a distinctly rare entity. We report herein a case of appendiceal intussusception induced by villous adenoma.

Intussusception is rare in adults and it is difficult to diagnose on admission. We present the case of a 43-year-old woman with the chief complaint of nausea and upper abdominal pain. Abdominal multidetector-row computed tomography showed ileo-ileal small bowel intussusception with an intraluminal soft tissue mass with attenuation numbers suggestive of a lipoma. The patient was treated with a laparoscopic-assisted extracorporeal partial resection of the small bowel including ileal lipoma, followed by a functional end-to-end anastomosis. Histologic diagnosis of the resected tumor, 2.4×2.0×2.0 cm, was an intestinal lipoma. This case serves as the basis of a review of small bowel intussusception in adults secondary to lipomas. It focuses on the utility of multidetector-row computed tomography and the cosmetic, physical, and economic benefits of laparoscopic surgery as well as the rarity of the disease.

Intussusception is a rare cause of intestinal obstruction in adult patients, but is common in children. In fact, it accounts for an estimated 1% of all cases of bowel obstruction in adults, although adult intussusception of the large intestine is rare. Sigmoidorectal intussusception, however, is a rare variety with few cases reported in the literature. A mucinous adenocarcinoma, a subtype of adenocarcinoma, is characterized by extracellular mucin production and accounts for between 5% and 15% of the neoplasms of the colon and rectum. Despite the general consensus supporting surgical resections for adult intussuceptions, controversy remains over whether intussuceptions should be reduced before resection. Most cases of colon intussusception should not be reduced before resection because they most likely represent a primary adenocarcinoma. However, prior reduction followed by a resection can be considered for the sigmoidorectal intussusception to avoid inadvertent low rectal cancer sugery. We experienced one case of sigmoidorectal intussusception caused by a mucinous adenocarcinoma of the sigmoid colon in a 79-year-old woman. Abdominal computed tomography demonstrated a sigmoidorectal intussusception. After the end-to-end anastomosis-dilator-assisted reduction, the patient underwent a laparoscopic oncological anterior resection under the impression that a sigmoidorectal intussusception existed. We report a successful laparoscopic anterior resection in a patient with an intussusception caused by a sigmoid malignant tumor.

Intussusception is a rare clinical finding in adults. Most cases occur in the distal small bowel or large intestine. We report the case of a 65-year-old woman with known non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who presented with acute abdomen and ileus-like symptoms. Abdominal computed tomography suggested ileocecal intussusception. The patient underwent right hemicolectomy and the histopathological workup showed ileal NSCLC metastasis as the lead lesion of intussusception. The classic triad of cramping abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea and a palpable tender mass, which is present in the majority of pediatric patients, is only infrequently observed in adults. Thus, symptoms are often nonspecific and the clinical presentation may be inconspicuous. Because of the large proportion of structural anomalies, adult intussusception requires definitive treatment, of which surgical resection is the treatment of choice. In patients with colocolonic or ileocolonic intussusception, malignancy should be considered and therefore en bloc resection rather than reduction is the recommended surgical technique, whereas cases of enteric intussusceptions may be reduced by limited resection of the small intestine.

Intussusception has been considered an operative indication in adults as a result of the risk of ischemia and the possibility of a malignant lead point. Computed tomographic (CT) scans can reveal unsuspected intussusception. All CT reports from July 1999 to December 2005 were scanned electronically for letter strings to include the keyword intussusception. Identified CT scans were analyzed to characterize the intussusception and associated findings. Clinical, laboratory, pathological, and follow-up variables were gleaned from medical records. Findings were analyzed by treatment and findings at operation. Review of 380,999 CT reports yielded 170 (0.04%) adult patients (mean age, 41 years) with intussusceptions described as enteroenteric in 149 (87.6%), ileocecal in eight (4.7%), colocolonic in 10 (5.9%), and gastroenteric in three (1.8%). Radiological features included mean length of 4.4 cm (range, 0.8-20.5 cm) and diameter of 3.2 cm (range, 1.6-11.5 cm). Twenty-nine (17.1%) had a lead point, and 12 (7.1%) had bowel obstruction. Clinically, 88 (48.2%) patients reported abdominal pain, 52 (30.6%) had nausea and/or vomiting, and 74 (43.5%) had objective findings on abdominal examination. Thirty of 170 (17.6%) patients underwent operation, but only 15 (8.8%) patients had pathologic findings that correlated with CT findings. Seven had,enteroenteric intussusceptions from benign neoplasms (two), adhesions (one), local inflammation (one), previous anastomosis (one), Crohn's disease (one), and idiopathic (one). Three had ileocolic disease, including cecal cancer (one), metastatic melanoma (one) and idiopathic (one; whereas five patients had colocolonic intussusception from colon cancer (three), tubulovillous adenoma (one), and local inflammation (one). Of the 15 without intussusception at exploration, five had pathology related to trauma, four had nonincarcerated internal hernia after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, four had negative explorations, one had adhesions, and one had appendicitis that did not correlate with CT findings. No patient in the observation group required subsequent operative exploration for intussusception at mean 14.1 months (range, 0.25-67.5 months) follow up. All operative patients demonstrated gastrointestinal symptoms versus 55.3 per cent of the observation group (P < 0.006). Analysis of CT features demonstrated differences among patients observed without operation, those without intussusception at exploration, and confirmed intussusception with regard to mean intussusception length 3.8 versus 3.8 versus 9.6 cm, diameter 3.0 versus 3.2 versus 4.8 cm, lead point 12.1 per cent versus 30 per cent versus 53.3 per cent, and proximal obstruction 3.8 per cent versus 0 per cent versus 46.7 per cent, respectively. Intussusceptions in adults discovered by CT scanning do not always mandate exploration. Most cases can be treated expectantly despite the presence of gastrointestinal symptoms. Close follow up is recommended with imaging and/or endoscopic surveillance. Length and diameter of the intussusception, presence of a lead point, or bowel obstruction on CT are predictive of findings that warrant exploration.

Adult intussusception is an unusual entity, and its etiology differs from that in pediatric patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate our experience of 60 adult patients with intussusception and determine if there are any preoperative factors predictive of malignancy.

The records of 60 adult patients (>18 years of age) with a diagnosis of intussusception surgically treated at Singapore General Hospital and Changi General Hospital between 1990 and 2004 were retrospectively reviewed. The intussusceptions were classified as enteric or colonic. Preoperative predictive factors of malignancy were analyzed using univariate and multivariate analyses, and P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.

There were 60 patients with a median age of 57.5 years (range 21-85 years). Altogether, 34 (56.7%) patients were male, and there were 31 enteric and 29 colonic intussusceptions. A lead point was identified in 54 patients (90%). A total of 22 (36.7%) patients presented with intestinal obstruction, and the correct preoperative diagnosis of intussusception was made in 31 patients (51.7%). Computed tomography was the most useful diagnostic modality, correctly identifying an intussusception in 24 of 30 patients. A malignant pathology was present in 8 of 31 (26%) enteric versus 20 of 29 (69%) colonic intussusceptions. Age (P=0.009), the presence of anemia (P<0.001), and the site of the intussusception (P=0.001) showed significant differences between the benign and malignant groups by univariate analyses. On multivariate analysis, intussusception in the colon (P=0.004) and the presence of anemia (P=0.001) were independent predictive factors of malignancy.

Adult intussusception is most commonly secondary to a pathologic lead point. The site of intussusception in the colon and the presence of anemia are independent preoperative predictors of malignancy. All colonic intussusceptions should be resected en bloc without reduction, whereas a more selective approach can be applied for enteric intussusceptions.

Intussusception is relatively rare in the adult population and differs substantially from pediatric intussusception. Most adult intussusceptions identified at surgery are caused by a definable structural lesion, a substantial proportion of which are malignant, particularly in the colon. Small bowel intussusceptions, however, have a lower prevalence of malignancy. Diagnosis of adult intussusception can be made reliably with noninvasive imaging techniques. CT is now widely regarded as the modality of choice for diagnosing intussusception in adults, but ultrasound and MR imaging have also been used effectively. Determination of the presence of a malignant lead point remains problematic because an edematous or hemorrhagic intussuscipiens may mimic a mass on each modality. Markers for bowel viability have been described but are not precise. Treatment of the persistent symptomatic intussusception in which neoplasia is suspected is surgical, and preoperative reduction is contraindicated. Transient relatively asymptomatic enteric intussusceptions discovered by imaging may not require intervention.

The objectives were to review adult intussusception, its diagnosis, and its treatment.

Adult intussusception represents 1% of all bowel obstructions, 5% of all intussusceptions, and 0.003%-0.02% of all hospital admissions. Intussusception is a different entity in adults than it is in children.

The records of all patients 18 years and older with the postoperative diagnosis of intussusception at the Massachusetts General Hospital during the years 1964 through 1993 were reviewed retrospectively. The 58 patients were divided into those with benign enteric, malignant enteric, benign colonic, and malignant colonic lesions associated with their intussusception. The diagnosis and treatment of each were reviewed.

In 30 years at the Massachusetts General Hospital, there are 58 cases of surgically proven adult intussusception. The patients' mean age was 54.4 years. Most patients presented with symptoms consistent with bowel obstruction. There were 44 enteric and 14 colonic intussusceptions. Ninety-three percent of the intussusceptions were associated with a pathologic lesion. Forty-eight percent of the enteric lesions were malignant and 52% were benign. Forty-three percent of the colonic lesions were malignant and 57% were benign.

Intussusception occurs rarely in adults. It presents with a variety of acute, intermittent, and chronic symptoms, thus making its preoperative diagnosis difficult. Computed tomography scanning proved to be the most useful diagnostic radiologic method. The diagnosis and treatment of adult intussusception are surgical. Surgical resection of the intussusception without reduction is the preferred treatment in adults, as almost half of both colonic and enteric intussusceptions are associated with malignancy.

While intussusception is relatively common in children, it is a rare clinical entity in adults, where the condition is almost always secondary to a definable lesion.

Thirteen cases of intussusception occurring in individuals older than 16 were encountered at our institute between 1981 and 1994.

Presenting signs/symptoms included recurrent bowel obstruction, intermittent pain, and red blood per rectum. Correct preoperative diagnosis was made in six patients using colonoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy, upper gastrointestinal (GI) series and computed tomography (CT). At surgery the lead point was identified in the small intestine in eight cases, in the colon in four cases, and one small intestinal intussusception was considered idiopathic. Twelve patients underwent laparotomy and one patient was both diagnosed and treated by colonoscopy alone.

Adult intussusception is an unusual cause of bowel obstruction. The likelihood of neoplasia, particularly in the colon as a cause, is high. Operative management is thus almost always necessary.

Adult intussusception is uncommon and varies considerably from the more common occurrence of this disorder in infants and children. Although lipoma represents the most common benign tumor of the colon, it is a relatively rare cause of gastrointestinal symptoms. A rare case of adult intussusception of the descending colon caused by a giant lipoma is presented and discussed.

Infantile intussusception is not rare in Africa, but was reported to be relatively uncommon. This retrospective review of 47 infants with the diagnosis of intussusception included 38 boys and nine girls. Surprisingly, the clinical presentation is at variance with previous reports and beliefs about intussusception in tropical Africa, but is similar to those from Europe and North America. Contrary to expectation, about 70% of infants presented with the classical clinical picture of intussusception with the complete features of vomiting, 'colicky abdominal pain', blood mucoid stools and palpable abdominal mass. The other 30% presented with various combinations of the components of the tetrad. The small bowel was the leading point in 30 infants and the colon in 17. Of the small bowel variety, the two main types were the ileo-ileal and the ileocolic, while the ileocaecal and the various types of colo-colic intussusception were of large bowel origin. Morbidity was minimal. There were four deaths. Intussusception in this series differs in many respects from previous experience in Zaria.

We present two cases of intussusception in the adult. Both cases were secondary to a benign lipoma as the lead point. These cases represent typical cases of adult intussusception, a rare disease characterized by insidious onset, vague abdominal symptoms, and elusive diagnosis. A diagnostic and therapeutic approach to adult intussusception is suggested. The need to consider this rare entity in the differential diagnosis of chronic abdominal complaints in the adult is emphasized.

Twenty adults were treated for intussusception in two large hospitals from 1969 to 1988. Fourteen intussusceptions originated in the small intestine and 6 in the large intestine. Diagnosis was reached preoperatively in only 10 patients, probably due to the atypical clinical picture. In addition to a high degree of suspicion, careful examination of plain abdominal radiograph and ultrasonography are helpful in diagnosing adult intussusception. In 18 of 20 patients, an organic lesion causing intussusception was found. In six patients the cause was a malignancy. In such cases surgical treatment is necessary. In jejunojejunal and ileoileal intussusceptions, an attempt at primary reduction followed by resection or enterotomy is justified. In most cases of ileocolic, ileocecocolic, and colocolic intussusception, primary resection is the treatment of choice, especially in patients over 60 years old because of the high incidence of malignancy.

Intussusception in the adult is an uncommon cause of intestinal obstruction. Seventeen cases were seen at two teaching hospitals over a twenty-year period. A local causative lesion was present in all cases; a malignant tumour was present in two out of seven intussusceptions arising in the small intestine and in seven out of ten arising in the large intestine. More than half the cases had a protracted clinical course prior to diagnosis.

Controversy concerning the appropriate surgical management of intussusception in the adult prompted review of the Mayo Clinic's experience with this uncommon entity. During the last 23 years, 48 patients had documented intussusception: 24 instances of intussusception originating in the small intestine and 24 instances of intussusception originating in the colon. Two-thirds of the colonic intussusceptions were associated with primary carcinoma of the colon. Only one-third of the intussusceptions of the small intestine were harbingers of malignancy, and 70% of these lesions were metastatic. Because of these findings, we advocate resection of intussusceptions of the colon without initial surgical reduction, in order to minimize the operative manipulation of a potential malignancy. In the patient with intussusception of the small intestine, an associated primary malignancy is uncommon. Initial reduction, followed by limited surgical resection, is the preferred treatment. Surgical resection without reduction is favored only when an underlying primary malignancy is clinically suspected.

A retrospective study of 316 patients with a diagnosis of intestinal obstruction admitted to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital over a 5 year period is presented. The overall mortality was 10.6 percent. Attention is called to the unacceptably high morbidity and mortality associated with volvulus in this and other series. Because the most common cause of intestinal obstruction in Africa is strangulation, a preventable complication of inguinal hernia, the clinician has a unique opportunity to significantly decrease the incidence of intestinal obstruction in Africa. Finally, our study confirms that the single most important antecedent of a grave prognosis in intestinal obstruction is late presentation of the patient.

A 67-year-old white man presented with bloody diarrhea and passed a 22-cm long segment of full-thickness sigmoid colon following a barium enema. He had advanced peripheral and cerebral vascular disease and had undergone pelvic irradiation for a bladder cancer five years previously. He recovered uneventfully from the bowel sloughage. This was apparently due to an intussusception of the sigmoid colon followed by the formation of adhesions between the edges of the adjacent viable bowel.

A further review of adult intussusception in Glasgow between 1968 and 1974 is presented. A higher than expected incidence of idiopathic intussusception has been found both in this and in the earlier Glasgow series of Smith and Gillespie (1968)--44 per cent and 50 per cent respectively.

An unusual case of lymphoma is presented in which small bowel intussusception due to a lymphomatous nodule caused an acute abdomen, requiring small bowel resection. Four weeks later a second intussusception caused intestinal obstruction, necessitating a second laparotomy and bowel resection. The high incidence of malignant tumor in adult cases leads us to recommend primary resection without manual reduction in all but rectosigmoid and selected small bowel cases.