Laparoscopic reduction of sigmoidorectal intussusception by a modified Hutchinson’s maneuver: A case report

Abstract

Background: Traditionally, adult intestinal intussusception is treated using Hutchinson’s maneuver, i.e., manual proximal bowel compression and reduction of intussusception. However, the lack of manual contact in laparoscopic surgery limits the application of Hutchinson’s maneuver. Moreover, when the lead point is located distal to the peritoneal refection, and the intussusception cannot be reduced prior to bowel resection, stoma construction (e.g., Hartmann surgery or abdominoperineal resection) becomes necessary. Here we report a case of sigmoidorectal intussusception treated laparoscopically using a modified Hutchinson’s maneuver.Case presentation: A 74-year-old man was diagnosed with sigmoidorectal intussusception caused by sigmoid colon cancer. Colonoscopy revealed a malignant-appearing obstructing mass telescoping into the rectum, with the lead point at 3 cm from the anal verge. During endoscopic examination, the lead point did not move. A biopsy of the mass showed adenocarcinoma, leading to a diagnosis of sigmoid cancer with sigmoidorectal intussusception. Since the patient had no symptoms of intestinal ischemia, and defecations were observed, elective laparoscopic surgery was planned. Intraoperatively, an attempt was made to pull out the intussuscepted segment proximally, but the presence of fibrous adhesions made the intussusception irreducible. Therefore, the rectum and mesorectum were mobilized completely up to the level of the levator ani so that the lower rectum could be wrapped with gauze on the anal side of the lead point of the intussusception. The gauze was then pulled up to the oral side and simultaneously, a surgeon pushed the distal end of the intussuscepted segment up using a laparoscopic bowel grasper, with another surgeon pushing the lead point through the anus with fingers. Thereby the intussusception was reduced to some extent, allowing for low anterior resection. The resected specimen contained an ulcerated moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma of the sigmoid colon measuring 3.5 cm × 3.0 cm, combined with circumferential ischemia with mucosal loss and necrosis over an 8-cm length on the distal side of the tumor. The tumor was stage III (T3 N1).Conclusion: We provide a laparoscopic approach for treating intussusception using a modified Hutchinson’s maneuver. This method will be useful in reducing the intussuscepted segment while avoiding stoma construction.