EARLY DIAGNOSIS OF ADULT INTESTINAL INTUSSUSCEPTION AT 4 DIFFERENT LOCATIONS

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.