title: Adult intussusception: An 8 years institutional review.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Intussusception is a rare cause of intestinal obstruction in adults. Its diagnosis could be elusive based solely on clinical features because of protean presentation. Supplementary imaging allows for preoperative diagnosis, early institution of definitive management, and a better clinical outcome.
  
  
  METHODS
  Records of adults managed for intestinal obstruction by laparotomy in a surgical unit of a tertiary health facility were retrospectively examined. The subgroup having an intraoperative diagnosis of intussusception was extracted and analyzed. Data obtained included age, sex, and primary symptom at presentation. Presence of intestinal perforation, the histology of the lead point of resected tissues, and the final disposition of the patients were documented.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Four hundred and three patients underwent surgical management of intestinal obstruction. Eight patients (2%) had an intraoperative diagnosis of intussusception at laparotomy; four males and four females (male: female = 1:1). Abdominal pain was the presentation in 7 (87.5%) and anal protrusion in 1 (12.5%). Four patients (50%) had bowel perforation with peritonitis. Seven of the resected intestines had lead points which were benign. Two patients (25%) died from sepsis. Resection and anastomosis were done for all the patients.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Intussusception in adults is uncommon but carries a high morbidity and mortality which can be reduced with a good clinical assessment, appropriate imaging, and early laparotomy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Uyo, Nigeria.
authors.forename: Isaac Assam
authors.initials: IA
authors.lastname: Udo
authors.affiliation: Department of Histopathology, University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Uyo, Nigeria.
authors.forename: Emmanuel K
authors.initials: EK
authors.lastname: Abudu
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Uyo, Nigeria.
authors.forename: Felix
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Uduma
keywords: Appropriate imaging; exploratory laparotomy; intussusception