Robotic Bowel Resection for Adult Intussusception with History of Marijuana Use

Intussusception occurs when one segment of bowel invaginates into an adjacent segment of bowel from a lead point. Literature suggests a nonpathological lead point attributed to adult intussusception: marijuana. This report describes a unique presentation of intussusception in a patient with a history of previous surgical intervention and marijuana use.

We report a 33-year-old male with a history of surgically treated intussusception and 12 years of marijuana use, who presented to the emergency department (ED) twice with nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. After imaging revealed intussusception, the patient underwent multiport-robot-assisted small bowel resection. The patient had no complications and was discharged after 6 days.

Intussusception can be deadly if not caught early. The use of marijuana can mislead clinicians due to similar appearing presentations. This case highlights the importance of a comprehensive patient history for abdominal pain. Additionally, it suggests placing intussusception higher in the differential for marijuana users.