Post-polypectomy ileocolic intussusception: A Case Report of a rare adult complication following colonoscopy

Adult intussusception is rare, and its occurrence following colonoscopy-especially after multiple polypectomies-is exceptionally uncommon. This case highlights a rare post-endoscopic complication with implications for early diagnosis and management.

A 55-year-old man presented with abdominal pain, bloating, and nausea 24 h after colonoscopy with removal of nine polyps via cold snare technique. CT revealed ileocolic intussusception without a clear lead point. Conservative management failed. Exploratory laparotomy revealed an inflamed bowel segment at the polypectomy site. A right hemicolectomy with ileocolic anastomosis was performed.

Histopathology showed mucosal ulceration, mural abscesses, and submucosal oedema without malignancy-supporting inflammation as a transient lead point. Despite SLE and multiple comorbidities, early surgical intervention resulted in full recovery.

This case emphasises vigilant monitoring of high-risk patients post-polypectomy and the need to include intussusception in differential diagnoses of acute abdomen following colonoscopy.