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Patient Reports / LoginIntussusception: What it is, Symptoms & Treatments
Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr Manish Kumar Kashyap , Pediatric Surgeon
Table of Contents
Intussusception is a medical emergency in which one part of the intestine slides into an adjacent section, similar to a telescope folding into itself. This blocks the normal passage of food, fluids, and blood supply to the affected bowel.
It most commonly occurs where the small intestine meets the large intestine and is seen primarily in infants and young children between 3 months and 3 years of age. Without prompt treatment, intussusception can lead to bowel damage, infection, or intestinal perforation.
What Are the Symptoms of Intussusception?
Symptoms usually appear suddenly and may become severe within a short time.
- Sudden, severe cramping abdominal pain
- Episodes of excessive crying with legs pulled toward the chest (in infants)
- Vomiting, which may become green (bilious)
- Blood- and mucus-filled stools ("red currant jelly" stools)
- Abdominal swelling or bloating
- Lethargy or unusual sleepiness
- A lump in the abdomen in some cases
What causes intussusception, and how common is it?
The exact cause is often unknown, especially in infants. In many cases, it develops after a viral infection that causes swelling of the intestinal lymph tissue. Less commonly, it may be caused by a structural abnormality that acts as a lead point.
Common causes include:
- Viral gastrointestinal infections
- Enlarged lymph tissue after infection
- Intestinal polyps
- Meckel's diverticulum
- Intestinal tumors (more common in adults)
- Congenital abnormalities of the intestine
When Should You See a Doctor for Intussusception?
Seek immediate medical attention or consult a pediatric surgeon, if your child develops:
- Sudden, severe abdominal pain
- Repeated episodes of crying with legs drawn to the chest
- Vomiting, especially green-colored vomit
- Blood or jelly-like stools
- Abdominal swelling
- Extreme drowsiness or weakness
Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent bowel damage and life-threatening complications.
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How Is Intussusception Diagnosed?
Diagnosis begins with a physical examination and medical history. An abdominal ultrasound is the preferred imaging test and can accurately identify intussusception. In some cases, an air or contrast enema is used both to confirm the diagnosis and to treat the condition. CT scans may be used more commonly in adults or complicated cases.
How is intussusception treated?
Surgical and non-operative treatments are the two options for intussusception. It could be possible to try reduction (pushing the intestine back) if intussusception is identified within a few hours of the onset of symptoms using a liquid contrast enema or an air contrast enema (the same techniques that are used for diagnosis).Since this is a radiologic operation rather than a surgical one, the patient won't require anesthesia.
The success rate of the liquid contrast enema and air contrast enema operations is between 60 and 70 per cent, and the return of intussusception occurs between 6 and 10 per cent of the time. Depending on the equipment and experience available in a particular arrangement, it is done under either fluoroscopy or ultrasound supervision.
They have a low risk of complications, as well. If a radiologic reduction is unsuccessful, then the patient will need surgery.
- Surgery may also be done if there is a great deal of infection or the patient is too ill for the radiologic procedure.
- Surgery is done under general anesthesia.
- In suitable places, laparoscopic surgery can also be helpful depending upon the availability of facilities and experienced laparoscopic pediatric surgeons.
- Alternatively, open surgery can be done through an incision on the right side of the abdomen, and the intestine is pushed back into its normal position.
- If the intussusception cannot be reduced, the surgeon may have to remove the irreversibly damaged segment of the bowel.
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Are there any alternatives to surgery?
The previously mentioned non-operative treatments are only effective when the infant is born early or within 48 hours. It can be attempted for up to 72 hours in some circumstances. Later, the likelihood of problems rises.
What are the possible complications/ what happens after the surgery?
To ensure your child is comfortable following surgery, pain medication is administered. The intestines are temporarily halted, so the child will need IV fluids for a few days. During this time, feedings are not provided. Depending on their preoperative condition and the ease of reduction, the majority of children gradually resume eating by the same day or the following day.
Resuming feedings may take several days if the gut needs to be removed.When the child is able to digest regular food, is fever-free, has no drainage from the wound, and has normal bowel function, they are prepared to be discharged from the hospital. Before returning to their regular activities, most kids need to take a few days or weeks of rest at home.
What is the outlook of these children?
A follow-up is required for several weeks after surgery to evaluate recovery and look for any complications.
The usual complication that can happen is adhesions and obstruction after surgery or a recurrence of intussusception where surgery is not done but the radiological reduction was done.In the long term, intussusception patients usually do well without any deleterious effects on the health and well-being of the child. Only patients with certain syndromes, especially elder children with intestinal polyps, need a regular follow-up for the development in case of recurrence or malignancy in the polyps.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can intussusception resolve on its own?
In rare cases, intussusception may resolve without treatment, but most children require immediate medical care to prevent bowel damage and other serious complications.
2. Is intussusception a medical emergency?
Yes. Intussusception is considered a medical emergency because it can block blood flow to the intestine and lead to tissue death if left untreated.
3. Can intussusception recur after treatment?
Yes. Intussusception can recur, especially after non-surgical reduction with an air or contrast enema. Your doctor may recommend follow-up if symptoms return.
4. How long does it take to recover from intussusception?
Recovery depends on the treatment. Most children recover within a few days after non-surgical reduction, while recovery after surgery may take one to two weeks or longer if bowel resection is required.
5. Can adults develop intussusception?
Yes. Although uncommon, adults can develop intussusception, often due to an underlying condition such as a polyp, tumor, or other intestinal abnormality.
