Adult intussusception: diagnostic pitfalls, morbidity and mortality in a developing country

Abstract

Objective: To study diagnostic pitfalls, morbidity and mortality of adult intussusception.

Patients and methods: Retrospective study of adult patients records operated between 1979 and 2007 with the diagnosis of adult intussusception.

Results: We found 41 cases of adult intussusception. The mean age was 35.2 years (standard deviation (SD)=7.1). The delay between onset and medical consultation was 15 days. The diagnosis was made pre-operatively in 11 cases. Abdominal ultrasound showed an abdominal mass in 11 cases. Ileo-ileal intussusception was most frequent (16 cases). Intussusception was secondary in 24 cases. There were seven instances of intestinal necrosis. Intestinal resection was performed in 34 cases. Surgical site infection occurred in four patients, three patients died.

Conclusion: The pre-operative diagnosis of acute intestinal intussusception is difficult. Morbidity and mortality rates are high. Improved diagnostic investigations in developing countries could improve the prognosis of this condition.