Favorable Clinical Resolution of Intestinal Obstruction Due to Ileocolic Intussusception in an Adult Without a Demonstrated Structural Lesion: A Case Report

Abstract

Intussusception is a common condition in children but is rare in adults, accounting for only 5% of cases and usually being associated with tumors. Its clinical presentation is consistent with intestinal obstruction, characterized by abdominal pain, distension, nausea, and vomiting in mild cases, with possible progression to perforation in severe cases. Timely diagnosis is essential to prevent complications; however, this condition may be difficult to suspect because of its low incidence in the adult population. Computed tomography is the most useful imaging modality. Treatment may be conservative or surgical, depending on the underlying cause and clinical course. We present the case of an adult patient with intussusception and no concurrent risk factors who developed obstructive symptoms that resolved within 72 hours of hospitalization after administration of a cleansing enema.