Adult intussusception: A 15‐year retrospective review

Objective: Adult intussusception is an uncommon disease and is usually associated with malignancy. In many cases, diagnosis is made only in the theatre as a result of its non‐specific presentation and low index of suspicion. By reporting the present study, we would like to share our experience in managing this condition. Methodology: Patients with the diagnosis of intussusception admitted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital within the period 1996–2010 were included. Demographic data, presenting symptoms, and operative and pathological findings were collected and analysed. Results: There were 37 adult intussusceptions in the study period; 18 of them were female and 19 of them were male. The mean age of the patients was 67 years. More than 40% of the patients had subacute onset of the symptoms. Abdominal pain was the most common presenting symptom, present in 83.5% of the patients. Preoperative diagnosis was made in 62.2% of the cases and all of these received either preoperative computed tomography and/or ultrasonography. There were nine enteric and 28 colonic intussusceptions. A pathological lead‐point could be identified in 83.8%, and their size ranged from 2 cm to 8 cm. The malignant lead‐point was larger than the benign one lead‐point (4.74 vs 3.3, P = 0.021). Malignancy was found in 33.3% of the enteric lesions and 60.7% of the colonic lesions. respectively. Age older than 70 years was found to be an associated risk factor for malignancy (P = 0.022). Conclusion: Intussusception should be considered as one of the differential diagnoses, especially in elderly patients complaining of subacute abdominal pain. Computed tomography scan should be the imaging of choice. Oncological resection should be carried out without attempt of reduction if the patient is older than 70 years, having colonic intussusception and containing a large lead‐point.     

Intussusception secondary to a carcinoid tumor in an adult patient

INTRODUCTIONIntussusception in adult patients represents 5% of all intussusceptions and 1–5% of bowel obstructions in adults. In contrast to pediatric patients, 90% of the time, in adults, it's caused by well-established pathologic mechanisms, such as carcinoma, polyps, diverticula, Meckel diverticula, stenosis, or benign neoplasms. Small intestine intussusceptions are more frequent, but colonic intussusceptions are caused 50% of the time by malignant neoplasms, especially adenocarcinoma.PRESENTATION OF CASEWe present a 70-year-old woman, with no relevant familial history, who presented with a 3-day symptomatology consisting of epigastric, colic, diffuse, abdominal pain of moderate intensity, which progressed till reaching a severe intensity, also referring abdominal distension, nausea, and gastrointestinal-content vomits.DISCUSSIONIn adult patients, the exact mechanism of intussusception is unknown in 8–20% of the cases, however, secondary intussusception can occur with any lesion of the intestinal wall or any irritant factor in its lumen that alters normal peristaltic activity and that could serve as a trigger to start an intussusception of one bowel segment over another the most common site is the small intestine.CONCLUSIONIntussusception represents an unusual problem in adult patients; it requires a high clinical suspicion, mainly as a differential diagnosis in patients with intestinal obstruction, and it clinically presents as a subacute or chronic illness. CT represents the most useful diagnostic tool. An attempt to perform reduction procedures in small intestine intussusceptions can be done, however, in ileocolic or colonic intussusceptions, a formal resection of the segment is recommended.     

Laparoscopy-assisted resection of ileoileal intussusception caused by intestinal lipoma

Intussusception is the second most common abdominal emergency in children. In contrast, it is rare in adults. Adult intussusception represents only 1%-3% of patients with bowel obstruction. Although 95% of intussusception in children is idiopathic, merely 7% of adult intussusception is considered idiopathic. Owing to vague symptoms and signs, the preoperative diagnosis of adult intussusception is difficult. Once adult intussusception is diagnosed, surgical intervention is indicated because about half of both colonic and small intestinal intussusceptions are caused by malignant lesions. In this paper, we describe a case of ileoileal intussusception caused by an intestinal lipoma that was diagnosed preoperatively by computed tomography scans and was treated successfully by laparoscopy-assisted surgery. The patient was discharged uneventfully 4 days after the operation. We recommend laparoscopy-assisted surgery as a feasible therapeutic option for adult intussusception.     

Predictive Factors of Malignancy in Adults with Intussusception

Introduction Adult intussusception is an unusual entity, and its etiology differs from that in pediatric patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate our experience of 60 adult patients with intussusception and determine if there are any preoperative factors predictive of malignancy. Methods The records of 60 adult patients (> 18 years of age) with a diagnosis of intussusception surgically treated at Singapore General Hospital and Changi General Hospital between 1990 and 2004 were retrospectively reviewed. The intussusceptions were classified as enteric or colonic. Preoperative predictive factors of malignancy were analyzed using univariate and multivariate analyses, and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results There were 60 patients with a median age of 57.5 years (range 21–85 years). Altogether, 34 (56.7%) patients were male, and there were 31 enteric and 29 colonic intussusceptions. A lead point was identified in 54 patients (90%). A total of 22 (36.7%) patients presented with intestinal obstruction, and the correct preoperative diagnosis of intussusception was made in 31 patients (51.7%). Computed tomography was the most useful diagnostic modality, correctly identifying an intussusception in 24 of 30 patients. A malignant pathology was present in 8 of 31 (26%) enteric versus 20 of 29 (69%) colonic intussusceptions. Age (P = 0.009), the presence of anemia (P < 0.001), and the site of the intussusception (P = 0.001) showed significant differences between the benign and malignant groups by univariate analyses. On multivariate analysis, intussusception in the colon (P = 0.004) and the presence of anemia (P = 0.001) were independent predictive factors of malignancy. Conclusions Adult intussusception is most commonly secondary to a pathologic lead point. The site of intussusception in the colon and the presence of anemia are independent preoperative predictors of malignancy. All colonic intussusceptions should be resected en bloc without reduction, whereas a more selective approach can be applied for enteric intussusceptions.     

Idiopathic adult colo-colonic intussusception: Case report and review of the literature

INTRODUCTIONAcute colonic intussusception occurring in the absence of organic cause is uncommon in adults.PRESENTATION OF CASEWe report acute colonic intussusception in a 46-year-old female; clinical evidence of a palpable mass, abdominal pain and bloody mucoid stools appeared a few hours after hospital admission. Multislice CT-scan confirmed the clinical diagnosis and surgical exploration revealed right colonic obstruction caused by intussusception of the cecum into the ascending colon. Right hemicolectomy was performed and histopathological examination did not reveal any causative pathology.DISCUSSIONIntussusception remains a rare condition in adults, representing 1–5% of bowel obstruction and accounting for 0.003–0.02% of all hospital admissions. Intussusception occurs more frequently in the small (50–80%) than in the large bowel (12–50%). It is estimated that approximately 90% of intussusceptions in adults are secondary to an anatomical or pathological condition, of which more than half are malignant. Idiopathic cases are the exception in adults. The clinical presentation of adult intussusception differs considerably from the classic pediatric presentation of abdominal pain, palpable mass, and blood per rectum, which is rarely seen in adults. A pre-operative CT-scan showed a 10 cm intussuscepted segment of right colon. Surgical resection was considered mandatory because of severe bowel obstruction, and the theoretical possibility of occult malignancy. This approach was vindicated by the presence of widespread ischemic lesions in the wall of the resected bowel, without any obvious lead point.CONCLUSIONThere are few reports in the medical literature of acute colonic intussusception occurring in the absence of organic cause in adults.     

Intussusception in adults: institutional review

BACKGROUND: Intestinal intussusception in the adult is a rare entity that differs greatly in etiology from its pediatric counterpart. Controversy remains regarding the optimal management of this problem in the adult patient. The purpose of this study was to determine the cause(s) of intussusception and to determine the role of intestinal reduction in the management of intussusception in adults. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective review performed at The Mount Sinai Medical Center identified 27 patients, 16 years and older, with a diagnosis of intestinal intussusception. Data related to presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and pathology were analyzed. RESULTS: There were 13 males and 14 females. The median age of the group was 52 years with a range of 16 to 90 years. Abdominal pain was the most common presenting complaint. A preoperative diagnosis was suspected in 11 of 27 patients (40%). There were 22 small bowel lesions and 5 colonic lesions. A pathologic cause was identified in 85% of patients with 8 of 22 (36%) small bowel and 4 of 5 (80%) of large bowel lesions being malignant. All small bowel cancers represented metastatic disease and all large bowel malignancies were primary adenocarcinomas. The median age of patients with malignant disease was 60 years; it was 44 years for those with benign disease. Operative treatment consisted of resection alone in 58% of patients and resection after reduction in 42%. Three patients were treated nonoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Our data support a selective approach to the operative treatment of intussusception in adults. Colonic lesions should not be reduced before resection because they most likely represent a primary adenocarcinoma. Small bowel intussusception should be reduced only in patients in whom a benign diagnosis has been made preoperatively or in patients in whom resection may result in short gut syndrome.     

Intussusception secondary to endometriosis of the cecum

INTRODUCTION

Intussusception in adults is a rare cause of bowel obstruction. Endometriosis of the bowel is also a rare entity that can be the cause of bowel obstruction. Here, we report a rare case of intussusception secondary to endometriosis of the cecum.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

A 40-year-old woman presented to the hospital with a one-week history of intermittent epigastric pain. On physical examination, there was a soft, round non-tender palpable mass in the right flank and abdominal computed tomography scan revealed an intussusception. We made the diagnosis of ileo-colic intussusception and performed ileocecal resection. The surgical specimen revealed a round submucosal cystic mass in the cecum and the histology showed endometriosis of the cecum.

DISCUSSION

Intussusception in adults is a rare entity present in just 1% of all patients with bowel obstruction, and 5% of all intussusceptions. In general, intussusception in adults has a pathologic lesion as the lead point and the lesion is a malignancy in 20–50% of the cases. Thus, the treatment of an intussusception in adults should be operative. Endometriosis of the bowel is a rare cause of intussusception. Small endometriosis lesions of the bowel are unlikely to cause symptoms; however, in patients presenting with bowel obstruction, urgent treatment is indicated.

CONCLUSION

Intussusception in an adult is a rare cause of bowel obstruction and intussusception caused by endometriosis is also rare. Although rare, the diagnosis of endometriosis as a cause of intussusception must be considered as part of the differential diagnosis.     

成人肠套叠的诊断和治疗:附58例报告

目的 探讨成人肠套叠的发病机制及诊断和治疗方法。方法 回顾性分析58例成人肠套叠的临床表现、类型、诊断及治疗方法。结果 阵发性腹痛55例，恶心呕吐34例，腹部包块38例。引起套叠原因主要是炎性水肿(11例)、良性肿瘤(15例)和恶性肿瘤(10例)。55例接受手术治疗，3例行钡灌肠复位。58例均康复出院。结论 成人肠套叠多由器质性病变引起，其发生由多个因素共同作用所致；诊断主要依据临床表现和辅助检查；治疗以手术为主。     

Ileocolic intussusception due to giant ileal lipoma: Review of literature and report of a case

INTRODUCTIONIntussusception in adults accounts for less than 5% of all intussusceptions. It occurs when a segment of intestine invaginates into itself.PRESENTATION OF A CASEWe report a case of ileocolic intussusception in an adult caused by a giant ileal lipoma.DISCUSSIONIntussusceptions can be classified as ileocolic, ileocecal, colo-colic and ileo-ileal. Most are due to neoplasms (60% malign and 24–40% benign). In the colon, the possibility of malignancy is higher than in small intestine.Lipomas are the most common benign mesenchymal intestinal tumors, accounting for less than 5% of all gastrointestinal tumors. They are more frequent in colon than small intestine. Small lipomas (less than 2 cm) are usually asymptomatic. Larger lesions may produce symptoms such as abdominal pain, obstruction or intussusception. Lipomas can be diagnosed with endoscopy, capsule endoscopy, barium enemas, CT and US.CONCLUSIONIntussusceptions in adults is a rare condition, most of them are caused by a malign neoplasms followed by benign neoplasms. US and CT are useful for diagnosis. Surgery is mandatory.     

成人肠套叠的诊断与治疗--附62例临床分析

目的　探讨肠套叠的发病机制及诊断和治疗方法。方法　回顾性分析了６２ 例成人肠套叠的临床表现、套叠类型、诊断以及治疗方法。结果　所有患者具有腹痛,５８ ％ 具有呕吐,６５ ％ 有腹部肿物。引起套叠的原因主要是炎性水肿与良、恶性肿瘤。５５ 例接受手术治疗。结论　成人肠套叠多有病理因素存在,但其发生是由多个因素共同作用所致;其诊断主要依据临床表现和辅助检查;成人肠套叠多有病理因素的存在,治疗以手术为主。     

Acute intestinal intussusceptions in adults: analysis of 20 cases

AIM OF THE STUDY: To report our experience in the management of acute intestinal intussusceptions in adults. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective study of data of patients older than 15 years who were operated on for acute intestinal intussusceptions from January 1997 to December 2001. RESULTS: Twelve of the patients were males and eight females with an average age of 41 years (range: 16-71). The clinical and radiological findings were suggestive of bowel obstruction (N = 14), peritonitis (N = 5) and appendicular abscess (N = 1). Correct preoperative diagnosis of acute intestinal intussusceptions was established in 6 cases. Type of intussusception was jejunojejunal (N = 1), ileo-ileal (N = 8), ileocolic (N = 1), ileocecocolic (N = 7) and colocolic (N = 3). Necrosis was found in the intussusceptum in 10 cases and a tumor on the lead point in 14 cases (5 benign lesions and 9 malignant ones). For intussusception involving the colon, all patients underwent en bloc resection with immediate anastomosis, while intussusception located on the small bowel were treated by surgical reduction (N = 1), en bloc resection (N = 8) with immediate (N = 7) or delayed (N = 1) anastomosis. The mortality rate was 15%. CONCLUSION: In our experience, intussusceptions in adults is not an uncommon clinical entity but correct diagnosis is often established peroperatively. En bloc resection is recommended because of the frequency of neoplasms and bowel ischemia.     

Surgical management of intussusception in the adult.

Controversy concerning the appropriate surgical management of intussusception in the adult prompted review of the Mayo Clinic's experience with this uncommon entity. During the last 23 years, 48 patients had documented intussusception: 24 instances of intussusception originating in the small intestine and 24 instances of intussusception originating in the colon. Two-thirds of the colonic intussusceptions were associated with primary carcinoma of the colon. Only one-third of the intussusceptions of the small intestine were harbingers of malignancy, and 70% of these lesions were metastatic. Because of these findings, we advocate resection of intussusceptions of the colon without initial surgical reduction, in order to minimize the operative manipulation of a potential malignancy. In the patient with intussusception of the small intestine, an associated primary malignancy is uncommon. Initial reduction, followed by limited surgical resection, is the preferred treatment. Surgical resection without reduction is favored only when an underlying primary malignancy is clinically suspected.     

Adult intussusception: experience in Singapore

Introduction: Gastrointestinal intussusception is an uncommon clinical entity in adults and is interestingly distinct from its paediatric form. In adults an identifiable lead lesion is found in the majority of cases, of which a significant percentage are malignant. Its treatment is thus different from that of paediatric intussusception. The present study reviews our experience of treating adult intussusception. Methods: A retrospective review of patients with a postoperative diagnosis of gastrointestinal intussusception between January 1997 and December 2002 was conducted. All patients under the age of 18 and cases of rectal prolapse were excluded. Results: During the 5‐year period, there were nine cases of intussusception. There were four male and five female patients, with a mean age of 63.8 years (range 37?85 years). Less than half of the patients (44.4%) presented with acute symptoms. The most common symptoms were abdominal pain and distension. The symptoms were intermittent in 77.8% (7 of 9) of patients. Only two patients had a palpable abdominal mass, while another had signs of acute intestinal obstruction. Computed tomography was the most useful imaging modality, identifying intussusception in six out of six patients. Eight patients had lead lesions occurring at the ileocaecal junction resulting in ileo‐colonic intussusception. Of these eight, four were malignant (two adenocarcinomas and two lymphomas). There was one sigmoid‐rectal intussusception secondary to adenocarcinoma. All patients were treated operatively. Seven patients were treated with en bloc resection. Conclusion: Although uncommon, surgeons need to be aware of the epidemiology and treatment options for adult intussusception. The symptoms and signs are often non‐specific and the surgeon might be faced with the diagnosis only at laparotomy. Computed tomography is the most useful imaging modality. An identifiable organic lesion is present in most cases, of which more than 50% are malignant (especially in the large bowel). Operative treatment is thus prudent. En bloc resection is recommended for ileo‐colonic and colo‐colonic intussusception. There is, however, a role of initial reduction in selected patients with ileo‐ileal intussusception.     

Laparoscopic Right Hemicolectomy for Ileocolic Intussusception Secondary to Caecal Neoplasm

Intussusception in adults is a rare cause of abdominal pain. Unlike its paediatric counterpart, intussusception in adults is associated with obvious pathology. We describe a case of ileocolic intussusception extending to the splenic flexure. We were able to reduce the intussusception partially and pedicle was stapled carefully. The specimen was delivered through a small incision and right hemicolectomy was performed adhering to oncological principles. We recommend laparoscopic-assisted surgery is considered for adult intussusceptions.     

Minimal access surgery for adult intussusception with subacute intestinal obstruction: a single center's decade-long experience

INTRODUCTION: In adults, 1% to 5% of bowel obstruction is caused by intussusception. In adult intussusception, there will be a demonstrable cause in 90% of cases, acting as the lead point. Laparoscopy is becoming more and more popular in its management. We present our series of intussusception in adults managed laparoscopically. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 1996 and 2006, we have treated 12 adults with intussusception who presented with acute or subacute intestinal obstruction. Computed tomographic scan confirmed the diagnosis in all cases. Laparoscopic-assisted resection with primary anastomosis was successfully performed for all cases. RESULTS: Males were more common, average being 38 years. Two patients had colonic carcinoma, as the leading point and the rest were benign tumors. There were no conversions or anastomotic leaks in any patient. DISCUSSION: The basic principles of surgery involve straightening or removing the involved section of bowel. The outcome of surgery depends on the stage of the intussusception at diagnosis and the underlying cause. If no underlying cause is found in these cases, no specific treatment is required. With early treatment, the outcome is generally excellent. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopy is a valuable diagnostic and therapeutic tool in the management of adult intussusception. It provides all the benefits of minimal access surgery.     

Laparoscopic resection for malignant lymphoma of the ileum causing ileocecal intussusception

A 22-year-old man was admitted with right lower abdominal pain. Colonoscopy revealed a ball-like tumor at the ileum. Abdominal sonography and computed tomography showed ileocecal intussusception. Microscopic examination of the biopsy specimen showed malignant lymphoma. Laparoscopic ileocecal resection was performed. Histologic diagnosis of the resected tumor was diffuse large B cell-type malignant lymphoma. Intussusception due to malignant lymphoma is relatively rare in adults. If contraindications of laparoscopy are not present, laparoscopic resection can be performed safely and should be considered for diagnosis and treatment for intussusception in ileocecal lesions in adults.     

Intussusception in adults: a 21-year experience in the university-affiliated emergency center and indication for nonoperative reduction

BACKGROUND: While intussusception is relatively common in children, it is rare in adults. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of all patients older than 18 years with the diagnosis of intussusception between 1981 and 2001. RESULTS: Eleven patients with surgically or endoscopically proven intussusception were encountered at the University-affiliated emergency center. The patients ranged in age from 19 to 88 years with a mean age of 45 years. Males predominated by a ratio of 7:4. Most patients (82%) presented with symptoms of bowel obstruction. The mean duration of symptoms was 4.5 days with a range of 4 h to 25 days. Correct pre-treatment diagnosis was made in 82% of the patients using abdominal ultrasonography and computed tomography (CT). The causes of intussusception were organic lesions in 64% of the patients, postoperative in 18% and idiopathic in 18%, respectively. 73% of patients had emergency operations, and an attempt at nonoperative reduction was performed and completed successfully in 3 patients with ileo-colic or colonic type of intussusception. There have been no cases of morbidity or mortality in our series and no recurrence has occurred up to the present time. CONCLUSIONS: Abdominal ultrasonography and CT were effective tools for the diagnosis of intussusception. Patients with ileo-colic and colonic intussusception without malignant lesions could be good candidates for nonoperative reduction prior to definitive surgery.     

Adult intussusception due to a malignant polyp: a case report

Intussusception is primarily a disease of childhood; only about 5 to 10 per cent of cases occur in adults. In contrast to childhood intussusception 90 per cent of adults have an associated pathologic process, usually a malignant lesion. Adult cases do not have the classical symptoms and diagnosis may be difficult. CT scan and barium studies are the most useful diagnostic methods. We report a very rare case of adult ileocecocolic intussusception caused by a pedunculated malignant polyp of the cecum and review the clinical features of intussusception.     

成人肠套叠临床及CT特点探讨

目的:探讨成人肠套叠的临床及CT表现。方法:收集本院2010~2011年经临床确认的肠套叠患者24例,回顾分析其临床及CT资料。结果:最常见的临床症状为腹痛、恶心、呕吐,其次表现为黑便、体质量减轻、发热、便秘。24例患者中小肠套叠15例,结肠套叠7例,回结肠套叠2例。16例呈慢性病史。CT直接征象表现为"同心圆"征24例,"彗星尾"征8例",肾形肿块"5例。非肿瘤性病变套叠肠管的长度和套入部肠管的直径分别为55.31±10.19 mm、30.06±2.56 mm,肿瘤性病变分别为120.46±17.42 mm、44.55±5.55 mm。小肠肿瘤性病变套叠肠管的长度和套入部肠管的直径分别为94.08±14.72 mm、36.75±3.25 mm,结肠分别为95.15±29.89 mm、43.35±5.61 mm。结论:成人肠套叠临床症状不典型,CT扫描对发现原发病灶意义较大。     

Dünndarminvagination beim Erwachsenen

The diagnosis of enteric intussusception is rare in adults but not in children. The clinical picture often takes an insidious course. Acute abdomen may also be caused by enteric intussusception. We report on three patients with enteric intussusception and acute abdomen. In two cases, a CT led to the diagnosis of invagination of the small intestine. In one patient, invagination of the terminal ileum was detected during coloscopy. All patients were submitted to limited segment resection and end-to-end anastomosis. In all three cases, the invagination was caused by benign pathological changes. Enteric intussusception in adults always requires surgery. In more than 95% of the cases, pathological findings are obtained intraoperatively, which are benign in the small intestine in 85-95% of the cases.