Ileocolic intussusception due to giant ileal lipoma: Review of literature and report of a case

INTRODUCTION: Intussusception in adults accounts for less than 5% of all intussusceptions. It occurs when a segment of intestine invaginates into itself. PRESENTATION OF A CASE: We report a case of ileocolic intussusception in an adult caused by a giant ileal lipoma. DISCUSSION: Intussusceptions can be classified as ileocolic, ileocecal, colo-colic and ileo-ileal. Most are due to neoplasms (60% malign and 24-40% benign). In the colon, the possibility of malignancy is higher than in small intestine. Lipomas are the most common benign mesenchymal intestinal tumors, accounting for less than 5% of all gastrointestinal tumors. They are more frequent in colon than small intestine. Small lipomas ( less than 2 cm) are usually asymptomatic. Larger lesions may produce symptoms such as abdominal pain, obstruction or intussusception. Lipomas can be diagnosed with endoscopy, capsule endoscopy, barium enemas, CT and US. CONCLUSION: Intussusceptions in adults is a rare condition, most of them are caused by a malign neoplasms followed by benign neoplasms. US and CT are useful for diagnosis. Surgery is mandatory. (C) 2012 Surgical Associates Ltd. Published by Elsevier Ltd.