Adult Intussusception

Objectives: Adult intussusception is a rare entity. We present four cases of this condition. Design: Retrospective review. Setting: Surgical Department, Salmaniya Medical Centre. Method: During a period of 11 years (1992-2003), the presenting features, investigation, and management of four intussusception cases were reviewed. Results: Four cases were found in our records over this long period indicating its rarity. The patients were two females and two males with age ranging from 22 to 61 years. The presentation was right lower quadrant pain in two patients and bowel obstruction in the other two. Radiological investigation was done for all, but the diagnosis was confirmed on exploratory laparatomy. Most of them were of ileo-ileal origin. No malignancy was reported. Conclusion: Adult intussusception is a rare entity. Clinical awareness and radiological investigation are very important in diagnosis. Surgical treatment is the rule in all cases.