World Journal of Emergency Surgery

unofficial impact factor 1.01

Open Access Case report

Ileocolic Intussusception - A rare cause of acute intestinal obstruction in adults; Case report and literature review

Muhammad N Khan1*, Avi Agrawal1 and Paul Strauss2

Author Affiliations

1 Department of General Surgery, Royal Hospital Haslar, Gosport, UK

2 Department of General Surgery, Darnet Valley Hospital, Dartford, Kent, UK

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World Journal of Emergency Surgery 2008, 3:26 doi:10.1186/1749-7922-3-26

Published: 4 August 2008

Abstract

Colonic Intussusception although common in children, is a rare cause of acute intestinal obstruction in adults. The etiology, clinical presentation and management of this condition is different in adults as compared to children. Pre-operative diagnosis is usually difficult due to the non specific and intermittent nature of the symptoms. CT scan can be a helpful adjunct in establishing the diagnosis. We present a case report of adult ileocolic intussusception with classical radiological signs and operative findings. A brief literature review is also presented with emphasis on the controversy of reduction of the intussusception before resection.