Sigmoidorectal intussusception caused by colon carcinoma.

Abstract

Intussusception, the invagination of a bowel segment into an adjacent segment, occurs in 5% of adult patients with an obstruction of the bowel. It is often seen as a result of obstructive defecation syndrome or malignancy. However, a sigmoidal malignancy as lead point is rare. Symptoms in adults are less specific than in children, which makes preoperative diagnosis challenging. An 85-year-old female presented with bright red anal blood loss. A large palpable mass was found during rectal examination. A computed tomography was performed during workup, which showed a 'target-sign' on the location of the lesion. An intussusception of the sigmoid into the rectum was seen over the length of 15 cm. This particular type of intussusception is extremely rare. When a neoplasm is suspected to be the lead point, an oncological resection is recommended. We performed a total mesorectal excision, after which the patient had an uneventful recovery.