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Published on: October 29, 2014

Intussusception in a young adult with bloody diarrhoea

M Stechman1, P Safranek, S Purkayastha

  • 1Department of Surgery, Wexham Park Hospital, Slough, Berkshire, UK.

International Journal of Surgery (London, England)
|April 28, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Adult intussusception is rare but can cause bloody diarrhoea. Unlike in children, adult intussusception often indicates a tumor and requires surgery, highlighting the need for thorough investigation of unusual symptoms.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Surgical Oncology

Background:

  • Bloody diarrhoea is a frequent symptom across various medical settings.
  • Intussusception is a common cause of bowel obstruction in infants but rare in adults.
  • Adult intussusception is frequently associated with underlying malignancy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To present a case of adult intussusception presenting with acute bloody diarrhoea.
  • To emphasize the diagnostic and management considerations for adult intussusception.
  • To highlight the importance of considering intussusception in adults with unexplained rectal bleeding.

Main Methods:

  • Case report of a young male patient with acute bloody diarrhoea.
  • Diagnostic workup including colonoscopy.
  • Surgical intervention and resection.

Main Results:

  • Colonoscopy confirmed intussusception as the cause of symptoms.
  • The patient underwent successful surgical treatment.
  • The underlying cause was identified and addressed surgically.

Conclusions:

  • Adult intussusception, though rare, necessitates a high index of suspicion in patients with bloody diarrhoea.
  • Surgical resection is the mainstay of treatment for adult intussusception due to the high incidence of malignancy.
  • A comprehensive diagnostic approach is crucial for timely diagnosis and management.

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