Laparoscopic diagnosis and treatment of small bowel obstruction caused by postoperative intussusception

Small bowel obstruction is a common problem, especially for patients who have had previous abdominal surgery possibly complicated by postoperative adhesions. In contrast to adhesions, postoperative intussusception is an unusual cause of small bowel obstruction. We report a case of small bowel obstruction that occurred one month after antrectomy for duodenal ulcer with massive bleeding. Laparoscopic surgery was attempted after conservative treatment failed. A segment of jejunojejunal intussusception about 50 cm below the ligament of Treitz was identified and laparoscopic reduction of the intussusception was performed. The patient had an uneventful postoperative course and remained asymptomatic at 10-month follow-up. Although not frequently encountered, postoperative intussusception should be considered a possible etiology in patients with postoperative small bowel obstruction. In experienced hands, the laparoscopic approach offers a feasible option for correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment in this situation.