Published online Aug 6, 2025. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v13.i22.104352
Revised: March 11, 2025
Accepted: April 9, 2025
Published online: August 6, 2025
Processing time: 147 Days and 14.5 Hours
Intussusception is the invagination of a segment of the bowel into an adjacent segment. It is the most common cause of intestinal obstruction in children, but in adults, it is rare, accounting for 1% of all intestinal obstructions and 5% of all intussusceptions, with malignancy being the most common cause. In the past, it was typically diagnosed intraoperatively. However, with the availability of computed tomography for abdominal imaging, recognizing the condition's signs has become crucial. Surgical intervention is essential for managing neoplastic cases and their complications.
A 45-year-old female presented with severe abdominal pain encompassing her entire abdomen, abdominal distension, vomiting, and persistent constipation. Over the past two months, she has also experienced considerable weight loss. After an initial history review, examination, and imaging investigations, the patient was diagnosed with ileo cecal intussusception resulting from a colo rectal mass located in the cecum and ascending colon. This condition was surgically managed through an extended right hemi colectomy.
Intussusception is uncommon in adults, but it should be considered in patients with intestinal obstruction. Surgical intervention is essential.
Core Tip: Intussusception, a common cause of intestinal obstruction in children, is rare in adults and often linked to malignancy. Early diagnosis through computed tomography imaging is crucial to prevent complications. This case highlights a 45-year-old female with ileocecal intussusception due to a colorectal mass, successfully treated with extended right hemicolectomy. Recognizing intussusception as a differential diagnosis in adult intestinal obstruction is essential, as timely surgical intervention plays a critical role in patient outcomes.