Intussusception

Intussusception is the telescoping of one portion of the intestine into another. It generally occurs in young children.

What is going on in the body?

In this condition, one part of intestine abnormally slides inside the part of intestine next to it. This can be compared to one part of a telescope sliding into itself. When this occurs in the bowels, the veins and arteries are squeezed. This results in less blood flow to the intestine.

What are the causes and risks of the condition?

In most cases, the cause of the intussesception is unknown. Risk factors for the condition include the following:

Intussesception is three times more common in males than in females. It is seen most often in infants from 3 to 12 months of age.

What are the signs and symptoms of the condition?

Typically, the child will have several minutes of severe abdominal pain. The pain is usually so intense that a parent cannot console the child. The child may pull his legs up against the chest. A completely pain-free period usually follows. The child may vomit with the first pain or soon after. There may be blood and mucus in the child's stools.

How is the condition diagnosed?

Diagnosis is made by barium enema in most cases. Barium is a liquid that can be seen on X-rays. Once barium is inserted into the intestine through the rectum, certain X-ray patterns identify the condition. Other X-ray tests may be used to diagnose this condition in some cases.

What can be done to prevent the condition?

There is usually nothing a parent can do to prevent this condition.

What are the long-term effects of the condition?

Once intussesception is treated, the long-term effects are minimal. When the condition recurs, it usually does so within the first 24 hours after treatment. Recurrence occurs less than 10% of the time. If left untreated, this condition may result in permanent damage to the bowels or even death.

What are the risks to others?

Intussesception is not contagious and poses no risk to others.

What are the treatments for the condition?

If intussesception is not diagnosed and treated promptly, death will occur in 3 to 5 days. Treatment is highly effective, and death in untreated children is rare.

Barium or air is inserted through the rectum, causing the pressure inside the intestine to increase. This pressure forces the intestines back into their normal place. If this procedure fails, surgery is necessary. During surgery, the intestine is physically pulled back into normal position. The surgeon will look for and repair any cause of the intussesception.

What are the side effects of the treatments?

Rarely, a barium enema can put a hole in the intestine. If this occurs, surgery will be necessary. Surgery carries a risk of bleeding, infection, and allergic reaction to the anesthesia.

What happens after treatment for the condition?

After treatment, the child is monitored in the hospital for at least 24 hours. When the child is eating well, he or she can generally go home. Intussesception recurs 3% to 11% of the time. A second episode is most common in children who were treated with barium enema rather than surgery.

How is the condition monitored?

Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare provider.

Author:Vincent J. Toups, MD
Date Written:
Editor:Ballenberg, Sally, BS
Edit Date:04/30/01
Reviewer:Eileen McLaughlin, RN, BSN
Date Reviewed:08/09/01

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