Cecal-colic adult intussusception as a cause of intestinal obstruction in Central Africa.

During a 5-year experience in Central Africa, the most common cause of 78 adult intestinal obstructions was primary adult cecal-colic intussusception (n = 43; 55%). The symptom complex of colicky abdominal pain and obstipation was present in 100% of the patients with intussusception. Operative repair in 90% of patients consisted of simple reduction of the intussusceptum. There were no known recurrences. The etiology of adult cecal-colic intussusception is unknown. Patients typically present with a 3- to 4-day history of abdominal pain, obstipation, and usually a palpable mass. Treatment is surgical reduction. Right colectomy is reserved for intestinal gangrene. We treated 43 cases during a 5-year period with only one death.