Prolapsed ileocolic intussusception in an adult : A bizarre presentation leading to delayed diagnosis in a low resource setting

Abstract

Background: Intussusception is the telescoping of one part of the intestine into the lumen of the adjoining part, which occurs more in the ileocaecal part of the intestine. It is the most common cause of intestinal obstruction in children younger than 3years of age. Occurrence is rare in adult, with prolapsed intussusceptions even rarer and occuring more in association with an underlying predisposing intestinal abnormality.Case Report: A 19year old boy presented with 6months history of recurrent non-specific, occasionally dull aching abdominal pain, progressive weight loss and a 4hour history of anal protrusion. He had presented multiple times to a peripheral hospital where the definitive diagnosis was missed. He was evaluated for ileocolic intussusception and he had exploratory laparotomy and right hemi colectomy done.Conclusion: Intussusceptions are rare outside childhood, however there should be a high index of suspicion of intussusception in adult with nonspecific abdominal symptoms who has not responded to conventional conservative therapy.
 Keywords: intussusception, ileocolic, tubular adenoma, adult intussusception