Four cases of adult intestinal intussusception at four different locat
ions (two ileocolic type, two colocolic type involving the transverse
and the rectosigmoid colon) are reported. The most beneficial diagnost
ic procedures were emergency contrast studies of the colon or computed
tomogram of the abdomen. Three cases were associated with primary mal
ignancy. Surgical resection without reduction is favoured because an u
nderlying primary malignancy should be suspected in adult patients. Th
e literature about the causes and the more recent considerations invol
ved in the management of adult intussusception is reviewed.