Adult Intussusception: A Case Series Exploring Varied Lead Points, Diagnostic Strategies, and Surgical Approaches

Abstract

Background Adult intussusception is a rare cause of intestinal obstruction often linked to a pathological lead point, posing significant diagnostic and management challenges Objective This study aims to illustrate the diagnostic and management challenges of adult intussusception through a retrospective case series. Methods Three cases from 2023–2025 were retrospectively analyzed, detailing their clinical presentation, imaging findings, surgical intervention, and histopathological findings. Results The three patients (mean age 50 years; range 26–62) presented with intussusception stemming from distinct lead points: a Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS) hamartomatous polyp, a subserosal lipoma, and an inflammatory fibroid polyp. All cases were accurately diagnosed preoperatively via CT imaging. Management varied, including manual reduction and polypectomy for the PJS case and segmental resection for the others, all resulting in favorable outcomes. Conclusion Adult intussusception necessitates a high index of clinical suspicion, confirmation through CT imaging, and a tailored surgical approach determined by the underlying lead point pathology. Lifelong surveillance is crucial for syndromic etiologies, such as PJS.