A case series of adult intussusception managed laparoscopically

Adult intussusception is rare, representing only 1% to 5% of bowel obstructions. This is a case series of 8 patients who presented with intestinal obstruction secondary to intussusception managed laparoscopically at our institution.

Eight cases of adult intussusceptions were treated laparoscopically at our institution between January 2010 and December 2012. The presentation, diagnosis, management strategy, and pathology involved were reviewed.

Three patients presented with small-bowel obstruction, whereas 4 had recurrent bouts of abdominal pain and 1 had persisting diarrhea. Computed tomography scan was performed in all but 1 of our patients and was accurate in diagnosing in all instances. Laparoscopy and resection of the intussusceptions was completed successfully in all patients. There were no intraoperative and postoperative complications. Four patients underwent laparoscopy-assisted small-bowel resection; 3 patients underwent right hemicolectomy and 1 had anterior resection. All patients recovered uneventfully.

Laparoscopic management of adult intussusception is safe and feasible. Further, diagnostic laparoscopy is useful when the diagnosis is uncertain despite computed tomography scan imaging.