[Intestinal intussusception in adults]

Intestinal intussusception in adults is less common than in paediatric patients, and may be difficult to diagnose due to non-specific symptoms. Abdominal pain is the main clinical sign, but other symptoms such as nausea or transit disorders may also be present. Abdominal computerized tomography is the key investigation for the diagnosis, with sensitivity approaching 100 %. In 90 % of cases of intussusception in adults, a mass is at the origin of the intussusception. The causes may be benign (lipomas, Meckel's diverticulum) or malignant (metastases, digestive tumours). Management is surgical, with resection of the affected segment and the underlying lesion, due to the risk of serious complications such as perforation or tumour dissemination if a reduction is attempted.