Introduction Adult intussusception is a rare cause of intestinal obstruction. Its occurrence often presents clinicians with a diagnostic conundrum owing to its broad variation in clinical presentation. Over the last half century, studies have continuously contributed to the better understanding of the aetiology, diagnosis and treatment. The aim of this review is to discuss acute and chronic disease management in adult intussusception. Discussion The aetiology has multiple dimensions to its description. These include its location in the gastrointestinal tract, presence or absence of a physical or functional initiating lesion (lead point) and the behavioural characteristics of this lead point, be it benign or malignant. The symptoms and signs of intussusception are wide ranging, making it have a presentation anywhere between an acute and a chronic intestinal obstruction. Radiological investigations for diagnosis can be quite accurate in the hands of skilled and experienced radiologists. The hallmark of treatment is open or laparoscopic (operative) surgery. Conclusion This clinical entity calls for a high index of suspicion coupled with relevant radiological investigations in its diagnosis. We are observing a trend in which unique aetiologies are being unveiled to add to an evegrowing list. Even with the standard treatment being essentially surgical, there is an increasing trend towards the use of novel surgical methods such as advanced colonoscopic and laparoscopic techniques. All these factors have prompted us to generate a critical review of the literature on adult intussusception so as to give a better holistic picture of the essential critical clinical care.