Small bowel intussusception: Does being transient make it less problematic? A case report

Small bowel intussusception is challenging to diagnose as it does not always declare itself. There is not enough evidence in the literature regarding the management of the same. This case report investigates relevant management options to ensure appropriate and timely treatment.

We present a 75-year-old male with a six-week history of abdominal pain and constipation. He has a background history of hypercholesterolaemia, hypertension, asthma, and ex-smoking. He had normal inflammatory markers and an abdominal computerised tomography scan demonstrating dilated jejunal loops with an abrupt transition in the mid-abdomen caused by a short intussusception, with a lead point suggestive of a small mucosal mass. He underwent a diagnostic laparoscopy, which did not demonstrate any obstruction or mass. He had an unremarkable hospital stay and was then discharged home. He remained well on outpatient follow-up.

This case highlights the transient nature of some small bowel intussusception. If there are enough signs suggesting the pathological nature of presentation on imaging, surgical intervention can be sought.