Overview
Intussusception is a rare, serious disorder the sliding of one part of the intestine into another. This telescoping action often blocks food or fluid from passing through. Intussusception is the most common cause of intestinal obstruction in children younger than 3 years old. The cause of most cases of intussusception in children is unknown. Though intussusception is rare in adults, most cases of adult intussusception are the result of an underlying medical condition, such as a tumor. Intussusception also cuts off the blood supply to the part of the intestine that’s affected. This can lead to infection, death of bowel tissue or a tear in the bowel, called perforation. In children, the intestines can usually be pushed back into position with a minor procedure. In adults, surgery is often required to correct the problem.
Causes
Intussusception is caused by part of the intestine being pulled inward into itself.
The pressure created by the walls of the intestine pressing together causes:
- Decreased blood flow
- Irritation
- Swelling
Intussusception can block the passage of food through the intestine. If the blood supply is cut off, the segment of intestine pulled inside can die. Heavy bleeding may also occur. If a hole develops, infection, shock, and dehydration can take place very rapidly.
The cause of intussusception is not known. Conditions that may lead to the problem include:
- Viral infection
- Enlarged lymph node in the intestine
- Polyp or tumor in the bowel
Intussusception can affect both children and adults. It is more common in boys. It usually affects children ages 5 months to 3 years.
Symptoms
Children
The first sign of intussusception in an otherwise healthy infant may be sudden, loud crying caused by belly pain. Infants who have belly pain may pull their knees to their chests when they cry.
The pain of intussusception comes and goes, usually every 15 to 20 minutes at first. These painful episodes last longer and happen more often as time passes.
Other symptoms of intussusception include:
- Stool mixed with blood and mucus — sometimes referred to as currant jelly stool because of its appearance.
- Vomiting.
- A lump in the belly.
- Weakness or lack of energy.
- Diarrhea.
Not everyone has all of the symptoms. Some infants have no obvious pain. Some children don’t pass blood or have a lump in the belly. And some older children have pain but no other symptoms.
Diagnosis
The health care provider will perform a thorough exam, which may reveal a mass in the abdomen. There may also be signs of dehydration or shock.
Tests may include:
- Abdominal ultrasound
- Abdominal x-ray
- Air or contrast enema
Risk factors
Risk factors for intussusception include:
- Age. Children — especially young children — are much more likely to develop intussusception than adults are. It’s the most common cause of bowel obstruction in children between the ages of 6 months and 3 years.
- Sex. Intussusception more often affects boys.
- Irregular intestinal formation at birth. Intestinal malrotation is a condition in which the intestine doesn’t develop or rotate correctly. This increases the risk of intussusception.
- Certain conditions. Some disorders can increase the risk of intussusception, including:
- Cystic fibrosis.
- Henoch-Schonlein purpura, also known as IgA vasculitis.
- Crohn’s disease.
- Celiac disease.
Treatment
Treatment options for intussusception may include:
- A water soluble contrast or air enema. This is both a diagnostic procedure and a treatment. If an enema works, further treatment is usually not necessary. This treatment can actually fix intussusception 90% of the time in children, and no further treatment is needed. If the intestine is torn (perforated), this procedure can’t be used.
Intussusception recurs up to 20% of the time, and the treatment will have to be repeated. It is important that a surgeon be consulted even if treatment with enema is planned. This is because of the small risk of a tear or rupture of the bowel with this therapy.
- Surgery. If the intestine is torn, if an enema is unsuccessful in correcting the problem or if a lead point is the cause, surgery is necessary. The surgeon will free the portion of the intestine that is trapped, clear the obstruction and, if necessary, remove any of the intestinal tissue that has died. Surgery is the main treatment for adults and for people who are acutely ill.
In some cases, intussusception may be temporary and go away without treatment.
Further, if you come across any of your friend or closed one looking for any kind of disease treatment you can share us the latest available reports via, email – query@gtsmeditour.com or you can whatsapp the reports to us +91 9880149003 and get the second medical opinion which can help you decide to take right treatment.
Thank you..!
Happy to assist..!
Post a comment