Early diagnosis of adult intestinal intussusception at four different locations

Four cases of adult intestinal intussusception at four different locations (two ileocolic type, two colocolic type involving the transverse and the rectosigmoid colon) are reported. The most beneficial diagnostic procedures were emergency contrast studies of the colon or computed tomogram of the abdomen. Three cases were associated with primary malignancy. Surgical resection without reduction is favoured because an underlying primary malignancy should be suspected in adult patients. The literature about the causes and the more recent considerations involved in the management of adult intussusception is reviewed.