Small bowel intussusception caused by a metastatic testicular germ cell tumour

S Afr J Surg. 2022 Sep;60(3):207-209. doi: 10.17159/2078-5151/SAJS3855.

Abstract

Intussusception from a testicular germ cell tumour is extremely rare. Metastatic gastrointestinal implants outgrow their blood supply leading to central necrosis. This results in erosions and ulcerations, which can be visualised as submucosal polypoid masses. These masses can then serve as a lead point for intussusception. We report a case of a 25-year-old patient with small bowel obstruction due to an intussuscepted choriocarcinoma in the absence of any other apparent retroperitoneal disease. Urologists must exclude gastrointestinal tract (GIT) involvement in testicular cancers, and similarly, surgeons need to exclude testicular tumours in young men with unexplained GIT haemorrhage, bowel obstruction or intussusception.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Humans
  • Intestinal Obstruction* / diagnostic imaging
  • Intestinal Obstruction* / etiology
  • Intestine, Small
  • Intussusception* / diagnosis
  • Intussusception* / etiology
  • Intussusception* / surgery
  • Male
  • Neoplasms, Germ Cell and Embryonal
  • Testicular Neoplasms* / complications
  • Testicular Neoplasms* / diagnosis
  • Testicular Neoplasms* / surgery

Supplementary concepts

  • Testicular Germ Cell Tumor