The management of colo-colic intussusception on left colon tumor in an adult: Case presentation and review of the literature

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Intestinal intussusception is rare in adults and often associated with underlying malignancies. In this case, a colo-colic intussusception involving the descending colon caused acute obstruction, ischemic pain, and carried a high risk for peritonitis, necessitating urgent surgical intervention to prevent severe complications. CASE PRESENTATION: We report the case of a 50-year-old male who presented with acute abdominal obtruction and a three-day history of fecal vomiting, left-sided abdominal pain, and recent rectal bleeding. Imaging revealed colo-colic intussusception of the descending colon due to a colonic tumor. Immediate surgical intervention was performed with an oncologic resection of the invaginated segment, including a left hemicolectomy with lymph node dissection. A diversionary left iliac colostomy was conducted, ensuring clear resection margins and reducing the risk of postoperative complications. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Intussusception in adults, while rare, frequently indicates a malignant etiology, and prompt diagnosis and management are essential. In this case, rapid surgical intervention allowed successful removal of the tumor with favorable oncologic outcomes and no recurrence at two-year follow-up. This case highlights the complexity of diagnosing intussusception in adults, where symptoms may mimic other gastrointestinal conditions and are often nonspecific. CONCLUSION: This case underscores the critical importance of early detection and intervention for intussusception in adults. Awareness among physicians should be heightened to consider intussusception in adult patients presenting with symptoms such as ischemic pain or a palpable mass with associated pain, as timely intervention can lead to improved outcomes and reduce morbidity.