Ileocolonic intussusception due to severe endometriosis

Abstract

Endometriosis is the presence of normal endometrial tissue outside the uterus, which may appear in up to 15% of fertile female population. Bowel endometriosis is uncommon, and obstruction due to endometrial ileocolic intussusception is extremely rare. Herein, we report a case of a 27-year-old female who presented with bowel obstruction due to ileocolic intussusception secondary to endometriosis. A 27-year-old female, without pregnancies, and with a 1 year history of endometriosis presented to the emergency department referring severe abdominal pain in right lower quadrant, nausea and vomiting, she had medical history of prior episodes of mild abdominal pain due to endometriosis with OB/GYN follow-up. Physical examination revealed abdominal distension with decreased bowel movements to auscultation. A CT scan reported suspicion of intussusception. Colonoscopy was ordered, where an ileocolic intussusception was found. Diagnostic laparoscopy was performed, and the initial diagnosis was confirmed. A right hemicolectomy with extracorporeal anastomosis was achieved without any surgical complications. The patient was discharge on postoperative day 4 and continues doing well on a 12 month follow-up. Ileocolic intussusception due to endometriosis is a very rare condition, and it must be considered a differential diagnosis in female patients in reproductive age, when presenting with intestinal obstruction.

Keywords: Bowel obstruction; Colonoscopy; Endometriosis; Intussusception; Laparoscopy.