Idiopathic postoperative ileo-colic intussusception in an adult with rectal cancer

Abstract

A 39-year-old female presented with symptoms of complete gut obstruction caused by a locally advanced rectal malignancy. She underwent a mini-laparotomy and creation of a proximal transverse loop colostomy (TLC). No other points of obstruction were noted. Post-operatively, clinical and radiological evidence of gut obstruction prompted a re-exploration. This revealed an ileo-colic intussusception. A right hemicolectomy was performed. No identifiable lead point was documented. The patient later underwent long course chemoradiation to address the locally advanced tumor. She, eventually, had a low anterior resection. In this study, it was illustrated that prompt and vigilant detection of such rare occurrences allow for the institution of a management plan that maintains adherence to oncologic principles.