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Updated: Jul 7, 2026

Murine Ileocolic Bowel Resection with Primary Anastomosis
Published on: October 29, 2014
Idiopathic jejunal intussusception in an adult
I Goutos1, A W O'Sullivan, F Myint
1Department of Surgery, North Middlesex University Hospital, Sterling Way, London N18 1QX, UK. ioannisgoutos@hotmail.com
Insights
Adult small bowel intussusception often has a malignant cause. Excision without reduction is recommended to ensure complete removal of potential tumors.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical Oncology
- Abdominal Surgery
Background:
- Intussusception is a frequent pediatric surgical diagnosis, often idiopathic.
- In adults, malignancy is a common cause of intussusception, necessitating surgical intervention.
- Small bowel intussusception is typically considered benign, with reduction often preceding excision of the leading cause.
Observation:
- This study reviews literature to ascertain malignancy rates in small bowel intussusceptions.
- An unusual case of adult idiopathic jejunal intussusception treated with excision without reduction is presented.
- A literature search was conducted to support the case presentation and findings.
Findings:
- Literature confirms a high incidence of malignancy in adult small bowel intussusceptions.
- Excision without reduction is supported as the optimal surgical strategy.
- Malignancy rates underscore the importance of complete resection.
Implications:
- Excision without reduction should be the primary treatment for small bowel intussusception in adults.
- Preoperative imaging is crucial to identify benign pathology and guide surgical approach.
- This approach aims to improve outcomes by addressing underlying malignancy effectively.
Background:
Intussusception is a common surgical diagnosis in the paediatric population and is most commonly idiopathic. In adults a substantial proportion of patients have a malignant leading cause and surgical intervention is mandatory. Intussusception involving the small bowel is thought to be more likely benign in nature and is frequently reduced before the leading cause is excised.
Aim:
Review of the literature to determine the incidence of malignancy in small bowel intussusceptions and discussion of the optimal operative strategy.
Methods:
We describe an unusual case of adult idiopathic jejunal intussusception, which was treated with excision without reduction and present the results of a relevant literature search.
Results:
A number of reports have confirmed a high incidence of malignancy in small bowel intussusceptions and consequently excision without reduction should be undertaken.
Conclusion:
It is in the authors' view that excision without reduction should be the treatment of choice in small bowel intussusception unless preoperative imaging delineates benign leading pathology and in the rare occasion of a shortened gut.
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