What is intussusception?

Intussusception is a condition that develops when one part of the intestine folds into itself, like a telescope. Although this can occur anywhere along the intestinal tract, it most commonly occurs between the lower part of the small intestine and the beginning of the large intestine. See a picture of intussusception.

When intussusception occurs, the part of the intestine that folds inward may lose some or all of its blood supply. This section of the intestine becomes swollen and painful. If intussusception is not treated, the intestine may become blocked. In rare cases, the intestine may tear, and stool may leak from it into the child's abdomen, causing a serious, life-threatening condition as well as gangrene.

Intussusception is the most common cause of intestinal blockage in children 3 months to 6 years of age.¹ It occurs mainly in young children. It is rare in adults. This topic focuses on intussusception in children.

What causes intussusception?

In children, the cause of intussusception is not known in most cases. But it probably involves swelling of lymph nodes within the intestine wall. Intussusception sometimes develops after a child has a viral cold or inflammation in the stomach and intestines.

What are the symptoms?

A child with intussusception may have recurring episodes of severe abdominal pain and may scream and draw up his or her knees from severe cramping. During a bout of pain, the child may look pale. The cramping lasts from about 1 to 5 minutes. Afterward, the child may seem normal, only to have another episode of pain from 5 to 30 minutes later. Some children have an episode of pain before passing stool. As the condition gets worse, the child may become listless and weak between painful episodes.

How is intussusception diagnosed?

Based on your child's symptoms, the doctor will check your child's abdomen for a tender, sausage-shaped lump and will check the rectum for signs of bleeding or bulging of tissue into the rectum (prolapse).

An X-ray of the abdomen is usually done to look for a blockage in the intestine.

The doctor may want to do other tests, such as an abdominal ultrasound or an enema using air, saline, or barium. A computed tomography (CT) scan may be done to diagnose intussusception in adults, but it is rarely used in children.

How is it treated?

Most children with intussusception get better if treatment is started within 24 hours of the onset of symptoms. Treatment may involve an enema or surgery to return the intestine to its usual position. But in children who have other diseases that involve their intestines, intussusception may develop into a more serious problem that requires surgical removal of the affected section of the intestine.

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