Intussusception is a form of
intestinal obstruction in which one section of the intestine telescopes into
the next section, akin to the finger of a glove being turned inside-out.
The telescoped section of the
intestine is drawn in further by the action of the intestinal muscles.
Most intussusceptions occur in
children.
In most cases, the cause for intussusception
is not known. It has been suggested that intussusception occurs most often in
children who have had a recent infection that causes a swelling of lymphoid
tissue in the intestinal wall. The body treats the swelling as part of the
intestinal contents and pulls it along by the action of the intestinal muscles.
Occasionally, a polyp, tumor, or
Meckel’s diverticulum may cause intussusception in adults.
Symptoms of intussusception
In children, intussusception usually
occurs suddenly, with severe pain, vomiting, and pallor.
The affected child may draw up the
knees and scream with the pain.
As the attacks become more severe;
the straining to expel feces may cause blood and mucus to be passed from the
rectum.
Between attacks, the child may be
calm and relaxed and may appear to have recovered.
Intussusception treatment
Immediate hospitalization is vital.
The patient is first given a barium
enema to confirm the diagnosis.
The pressure of the enema sometimes
restores the affected parts of the intestine to their normal positions.
If this does not happen, a surgical
operation is necessary.
