Intussusception

Intussusception is a relatively rare but very serious type of bowel obstruction. The bowel (also called intestine) is shaped like a long tube. Intussusception occurs when a part of the bowel folds in on itself and is trapped by an adjacent portion of the small or large intestine. This causes obstruction and cuts off the blood supply to the intestine.

Causes

In almost all cases, there is no known cause for Intussusception. It may sometimes occur in association with or as a complication of the following medical conditions:
  • Viral infections
  • Appendicitis
  • Meckel's diverticulum
  • Intestinal polyps
  • Tumors
  • Lymphoma
  • Leukemia
  • Foreign bodies
  • Parasites
  • Cystic fibrosis
  • Celiac disease
  • Recent surgery

Risk Factors

A risk factor is something that increases your chances of getting a disease or condition.
  • Age: 5-9 months
  • Sex: Male
  • Family members with intussusception

Symptoms

The initial symptoms may include:
  • Abdominal pain
    • Usually severe
    • Usually comes on suddenly
    • In children, this may be indicated by drawing knees to chest and crying
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Stools mixed with mucus and blood
  • Fever
  • More pale than usual
  • Lethargy
  • Delirium or confusion
  • Shock
  • Dehydration
Intussusception cuts off the blood supply to the bowel. If this is not treated quickly, it can lead to gangrene. Gangrene can cause tissue in the intestinal wall to die. This may lead to:

  • Perforation of the intestinal wall
  • Peritonitis (inflammation of the lining of the abdominal cavity) and infection
If not treated quickly, peritonitis can lead to death.

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. Tests may include:
  • Blood and urine tests
  • Fecal occult blood test, which checks the stool for blood
  • Abdominal x-ray
  • Barium enema ? injection of fluid into the rectum that makes the colon show up on an x-ray so the doctor can see abnormal spots in the colon

Treatment

Barium Enema
In many cases, giving a barium enema will correct Intussusception. However, the test may occasionally cause a perforation to occur in the bowel. Barium enema should not be done if the doctors know the bowel is perforated.
Surgery
Surgery can help 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.
After any treatment, Intussusception may recur.

Prevention

There are no guidelines for preventing Intussusception because the cause is unknown.