Ileo-colic intussusception: a rare cause of intestinal obstruction in adults

Adult intussusception is a rare cause of intestinal obstruction characterized by the telescoping of one segment of the intestine into another. Unlike in children, adult intussusception accounts for a small proportion of intestinal obstructions and is usually associated with an identifiable cause, such as malignancy or polyps. We present a case of ileo-colic intussusception in an elderly female, confirmed on abdominal computed tomography (CT) imaging, and successfully treated with emergency laparotomy and segmental bowel resection. Histology identified a benign lipomatous polyp as the lead point for the intussusception. This case demonstrates that adult bowel intussusception presents with non-specific symptoms, and early detection through abdominal CT imaging is crucial. Surgeons should be aware of the potential association with underlying malignancy, particularly in elderly patients, and therefore segmental resection should follow strict oncological principles.