A Retrospective study of Intussusception of the bowel in adults

Abstract

Introduction: Intussusception is the leading cause of intestinal obstruction in children. In contrast to childhood intussusception, adult intussusception accounts for only 5% of all intussusceptions with 90% having a lead point, a well-defined pathological abnormality. Adult intussusceptions pose a further challenge as they are often presented with acute, subacute or chronic non-specific symptoms. Computed tomography is the most sensitive diagnostic modality and can distinguish between intussusception with and without a lead point. Surgery is the definitive treatment of adult intussusceptions. So the aim was to evaluate adults with intussusception in and to assess its etiology, clinical features, diagnosis and management.

Methods: A retrospective review of adults aged >16 years with a diagnosis of intussusceptions between 1998- 2013 was done.

Results: There were 22 cases of adult intussusceptions. Mean age was 44 years (17-86 years). Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and rectal bleeding were the most common symptoms. There were 2 cases of retrograde jejunogastric intussusception, 5 cases of jejunojejunal intussusceptions, 3 cases of ileoileal intussusceptions, 11 cases of ileocolic intussuscetpions and 1 case of colocolic intussusception. In seventeen cases, the lead point for intussusception was identified out of which 13 cases had benign pathology and 4 cases had malignant pathology. In five cases cause was not found. All cases were treated surgically except one case of jejunogastric intussusception which was reduced endoscopically. Mean duration of hospital stay was 13 days (5-30 days). Postoperative period was uneventful except surgical site infection in 8 cases and 1 case developed ECF which was managed conservatively. There was one mortality because of chest infection.

Conclusion: Adult intussusception is an unusual and challenging condition having a well- defined pathological abnormality in most of the cases. Treatment usually requires resection of the involved bowel segment.