Caeco-colic intussusception in an adult: a rare case report

Abstract

Intussusception is common in children but rare in adults. Caeco-colic intussusception is an uncommon cause of intestinal obstruction in adults. Very limited information is available about the role of colonoscopy in diagnosis of intussusception in the literature. We present a case of caeco-colic intussusception in a 50-year-old male who presented with the complaints of pain in abdomen and a lump in the right hypochondrium. Colonoscopy and contrast studies revealed the diagnosis of intussusception. Abdominal computed tomography (CT scan) is considered as the most sensitive investigation to diagnose intussusception at present, whereas colonoscopy is sparingly used to diagnose intussusception. In this patient, colonoscopy not only established the diagnosis and malignant nature of the lead point, but also guided the definitive extent of surgical resection. CT scan offers a presumptive diagnosis as compared to the definitive diagnosis of intussusception by colonoscopy. In adult intussusception, colonoscopy can be considered as a complimentary investigation to other diagnostic modalities. Hence regular use of colonoscopy in adult intussusception should be encouraged where presentation is either subacute or chronic.