Postoperative intussusception in adults. A report of 5 cases

Five cases of postoperative intussusception in adults illustrate the clinical features of this uncommon complication. The diagnosis is usually made at laparotomy after a prolonged period of inappropriate conservative treatment, but can be made radiologically if suspected clinically. Simple reduction is usually effective with no potential for recurrence. Although various theories hav e been proposed and various factors implicated, the precise cause and mechanism in individual patients usually remains unknown.