A Rare Case of Small Bowel Intussusception in an Elderly: A Case Report and Literature Review

Rohan Raj1, Maya Ann Francis2, Deepa Treesa Francis2

  • 1Internal Medicine, Nalanda Medical College and Hospital, Patna, IND.

Cureus
|September 28, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Adult intussusception is rare, especially in the elderly, and often linked to underlying diseases. This case emphasizes surgical intervention for jejunojejunal intussusception due to associated pathologies.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Surgical Oncology
  • Geriatric Medicine

Background:

  • Intussusception, a rare cause of bowel obstruction, is significantly less common in the elderly.
  • Unlike pediatric intussusception, adult cases frequently involve pathologic lead points necessitating surgical intervention.

Observation:

  • An 84-year-old male with comorbidities presented with jejunojejunal intussusception causing small bowel obstruction.
  • Diagnostic challenges in elderly patients with intussusception are notable.

Findings:

  • Surgical management via exploratory laparotomy and bowel resection was performed.
  • The leading point pathology was successfully excised, resolving the obstruction.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the critical importance of surgical intervention in adult intussusception.
  • Early diagnosis and surgical management are vital due to the high association with underlying pathologic diseases in the elderly.

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