Ileocolic Intussusception Prolapsing from the Rectum in von Recklinghausen's Disease

Marlén Alvite Canosa, Leticia Alonso Fernández, Lucía Dorado Castro, Rocío González López, Ana Álvarez Gutiérrez, Inmaculada Monjero Ares, José Conde Vales, Félix Arija Val

General surgery department of Hospital Universitario Lucus Augusti, Lugo, Spain.

DOI: 10.4236/ss.2012.38084                

Abstract

Intussusception is a paediatric condition that rarely presents in adults. We report an exceptional case of ileocolic intussusception prolapsing from the rectum in an adult with Von Recklinghausen′s disease. A 31-year-old man with von Recklinghausen′s disease presented to emergency department with a history of severe abdominal pain, vomits and rectal bleeding. Abdominal computed tomography showed intestinal obstruction probably due to a sigmoidorectal intussusception. Ileum, appendix, cecum and ascending colon were found to be intussuscepting through transverse, descending and sigmoid colon and prolapsing from the rectum during an emergent laparotomy. A right hemicolectomy was performed. An anatomical pathology examination revealed a neurofibroma of the appendix as lead point for intussusception. Intussusception in adults requires early surgical resection regardless of the nature of the initial case. Neurofibroma of the appendix is very rare; although it is benign, prompt resection is recommended because of a high risk of appendicitis and malignant transformation.

Keywords

Adult Intussusceptions; Neurofibromatosis; Von Recklinghausen´s Disease; Appendiceal Neurofibroma

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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