Definition
Definition
Intussusception is a serious type of bowel obstruction. The intestine is shaped like a long tube. Intussusception occurs when one part of the intestine slides up into another part of the intestine. This part of the intestine becomes trapped and starts to swell. The swelling can block the flow of food. If severe, swelling can also cut off the blood supply to the area.
IntussusceptionCopyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.
|
Causes
Causes
In many cases, there is no known cause for intussusception. However, intussusception may sometimes occur as a complication of some medical conditions, including:
- Viral infections—especially adenovirus
- Meckel’s diverticulum
- Intestinal polyps
- Tumors, such as lymphosarcoma and neurofibroma
- Lymphoma
- Cystic fibrosis
- Recent abdominal surgery
- Henoch-Schonlein purpura
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Hemophilia
- Hemangioma
Risk Factors
Risk Factors
Intussusception is more common in children 3 months to 6 years old, but the majority are younger than 24 months. It is also more common in males.
Factors that increase the risk of intussusception include:
- Season: more common during respiratory and gastrointestinal virus seasons
- Medical conditions in the list above
Symptoms
Symptoms
The initial symptoms may include:
-
Abdominal pain:
- Usually severe
- Colicky or cramping
- Usually comes on suddenly
- In children, this may be indicated by drawing knees to chest and crying
- Vomiting—sometimes yellow or green tinged
- Stools mixed with mucus and blood—often described as currant jelly
- Lethargy
Additional symptoms include:
- Poor feeding
- Diarrhea
- Shock
- Dehydration
- Fever
Intussusception cuts off the blood supply to the bowel. If this is not treated quickly, it can lead to bowel gangrene. Gangrene can cause tissue in the intestinal wall to die. This may lead to:
- Perforation of the intestinal wall
- Inflammation of the lining of the abdominal cavity and infection—peritonitis
If not treated quickly, peritonitis can lead to death.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
You will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done.
Bodily fluids may be tested. This can be done with:
- Blood tests
- Urine tests
Images may be taken of your bodily structures. This can be done with:
- Abdominal x-ray
- Ultrasound
- CT scan
Treatment
Treatment
Air Enema
In many cases, giving an air enema will correct intussusception. Air enema is preferred over water-soluble contrast or barium enema. This is often the preferred treatment when intussusception occurs in infancy. However, the test may cause a perforation to occur in the bowel. An enema should not be done if the bowel is perforated.
Surgery
Surgery may be required to release the trapped portion of the bowel and to clear the obstruction. If any bowel tissue has died due to gangrene, that part of the bowel may need to be removed.
Prevention
Prevention
There are no guidelines for preventing intussusception because the cause is unknown. Talk to your doctor about avoiding vaccines that may cause a recurrence.
RESOURCES:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention http://www.cdc.gov
CANADIAN RESOURCES
Health Canada http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca
References:
http://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/abdominal/Pages/Abdominal-Pains-in-Infants.aspx
Updated March 28, 2014. Accessed August 12, 2014.
Intussusception. Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at:
http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/diseases-conditions/intussusception.html
Updated August 20, 2015. Accessed September 15, 2015.
Intussusception. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed
Updated September 1, 2014. Accessed September 15, 2015.
Questions and answers about intussusception. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at:
http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/rotavirus/intussusception-FAQs.htm
Updated April 8, 2014. Accessed September 15, 2015.
Last Updated: 9/30/2013