Ileocecal Intussusception Caused by Intestinal Lipoma Successfully Treated by Emergent Laparoscopic Surgery: A Case Report

Abstract

A 74-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital with sudden onset of right lower quadrant (RLQ) pain. A palm-sized painful mass was palpated in the RLQ of the abdomen. An abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan showed a horseshoe-shaped mass and a target sign of the small intestine in the right lower abdomen indicating a diagnosis of adult small intestinal intussusception. The presenting portion of the intussusception was considered to be a lipoma based on the low CT density. An ileus tube was endoscopically inserted to drain the air-fluid in the small bowel. After drainage completion, emergent laparoscopic surgery was started. Intra-abdominal adhesions caused by a previous appendectomy were divided and the cecum was mobilized using atraumatic forceps. Consequently, intussusception reduction was successful and the tumor was removed by resection of a portion of the ileum. The patient was discharged from our hospital 15 days after surgery and has shown no adverse abdominal symptoms to date. We experienced an adult case of intestinal intussusception caused by ileal lipoma successfully treated by emergent laparoscopic surgery. Accurate diagnosis, decompression of the intestine and timely surgical intervention are needed for emergent treatment of intestinal intussusception.