Clinical characteristics of nasointestinal ileus tube-induced intussusception: three case reports and a literature review

Placement of a nasointestinal ileus tube or long tube for gastrointestinal decompression is a new and effective treatment for small bowel obstruction. Such tubes are associated with very few adverse effects. However, several cases of intussusception caused by a nasointestinal ileus tube have been reported. No general diagnosis or treatment guideline has been established for such a complication. We herein present three cases of intussusception caused by nasointestinal ileus tube placement along with a literature review that summarizes some important clinical characteristics of nasointestinal ileus tube-induced intussusception. A diagnosis of intussusception should be considered if severe abdominal pain and distension recur after insertion of a nasointestinal ileus tube. Computed tomography may assist making the diagnosis, especially in patients with typical features such as the “Target sign,” “Glasses sign,” or “Mickey Mouse sign.” Although nasointestinal ileus tube-induced intussusception is rare, clinicians should give more attention to the risk of this complication.