Although uncommon, surgeons need to be aware of the epidemiology and treatment options for adult intussusception. The symptoms and signs are often non-specific and the surgeon might be faced with the diagnosis only at laparotomy. Computed tomography is the most useful imaging modality. An identifiable organic lesion is present in most cases, of which more than 50% are malignant (especially in the large bowel). Operative treatment is thus prudent. En bloc resection is recommended for ileo-colonic and colo-colonic intussusception. There is, however, a role of initial reduction in selected patients with ileo-ileal intussusception.

Rupture of the diaphragm is almost always due to major trauma and is most commonly associated with road-traffic accidents. We report a case of delayed presentation of a 35-year-old woman with a ruptured diaphragm, 11 days following apparent minor blunt trauma. This case illustrates how the diagnosis of ruptured diaphragm can be missed and demonstrates the importance of considering this diagnosis in all cases of blunt trauma to the trunk. It also demonstrates the potential pitfall of misinterpreting the chest radiograph, and the value of repeat imaging after insertion of a nasogastric tube.

The preoperative diagnosis of Mirizzi syndrome is a challenge. Only constant vigilance during intraoperative dissection of the Calot's triangle will reduce the incidence of bile duct injury in Mirizzi syndrome that can occur in both open and laparoscopic surgery.

Laparoscopic drainage of liver abscesses, in combination with systemic antibiotics, is a safe and viable alternative in all patients who require surgical drainage following failed medical or percutaneous treatment, and in those with large abscesses.

Epidural emphysema secondary to traumatic pneumomediastinum is benign and self-limiting. However, the life-threatening causes should be considered and ruled out.