The Diagnosis and Treatment of Adult Intussusception

Background Intussusception in adults is often diagnosed on computed tomography (CT), and the optimal treatment of this entity is not universally agreed upon. We report our experience in an attempt to clarify the usefulness of CT scan and the optimal treatment of this entity. Study Seven cases of adult intussusception were encountered at our institute between 1991 and 2001. Data related to presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and pathology were analyzed. Results Preoperative diagnosis was made in four patients by CT scan and/or ultrasonography. Two patients had colonic cancer and one had jejunal cancer. Three of four patients with small bowel intussusception underwent reduction before resection and the other one underwent resection without reduction because of severe ischemic bowel. Conclusions The CT scan is most useful in making the diagnosis of intussusception. Colonic lesions should be resected without reduction. Small bowel lesions should be reduced only in patients in whom a benign diagnosis has been strongly suggested preoperatively or in patients in whom resection may result in short gut syndrome.