Intussusception in Children Overview
Learn About Intussusception in Children
Intussusception is the sliding of one part of the intestine into another.
This article focuses on intussusception in children.
Abdominal pain in children - intussusception
Intussusception is caused by part of the intestine being pulled inward into itself.
The pressure created by the walls of the intestine pressing together causes:
- Decreased blood flow
- Irritation
- Swelling
Intussusception can block the passage of food through the intestine. If the blood supply is cut off, the segment of intestine pulled inside can die. Heavy bleeding may also occur. If a hole develops, infection, shock, and dehydration can take place very rapidly.
The cause of intussusception is not known. Conditions that may lead to the problem include:
- Viral infection
- Enlarged lymph node in the intestine
- Polyp or tumor in the bowel
Intussusception can affect both children and adults. It is more common in boys. It usually affects children ages 5 months to 3 years.
The first sign of intussusception is very often sudden, loud crying caused by abdominal pain. The pain is colicky and not continuous (intermittent), but it comes back often. The pain will get stronger and last longer each time it returns.
An infant with severe abdominal pain may draw the knees to the chest while crying.
Other symptoms include:
- Bloody, mucus-like bowel movement, sometimes called a "currant jelly" stool
- Fever
- Shock (pale color, lethargy, sweating)
- Stool mixed with blood and mucus
- Vomiting
The child will first be stabilized. A tube will be passed into the stomach through the nose (nasogastric tube). An intravenous (IV) line will be placed in the arm, and fluids will be given to prevent dehydration.
In some cases, the bowel blockage can be treated with an air or contrast enema. This is done by a radiologist skilled with the procedure. There is a risk of bowel tearing (perforation) with this procedure.
The child will need surgery if these treatments do not work. The bowel tissue can very often be saved. Dead tissue will be removed.
Antibiotics may be needed to treat any infection.
Intravenous feeding and fluids will be continued until the child has a normal bowel movement.
Brant Inman is an Urologist in Durham, North Carolina. Dr. Inman and is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Intussusception in Children. His top areas of expertise are Urothelial Cancer, Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer, Bladder Cancer, Reconstructive Urology Surgery, and Nephrectomy. Dr. Inman is currently accepting new patients.
Duke Health Integrated Practice Inc
Andrew Peterson is an Urologist in Durham, North Carolina. Dr. Peterson and is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Intussusception in Children. His top areas of expertise are Urethral Stricture, Stress Urinary Incontinence, Urinary Incontinence, Reconstructive Urology Surgery, and Prostatectomy. Dr. Peterson is currently accepting new patients.
Duke Health Integrated Practice Inc
Charles Scales is an Urologist in Durham, North Carolina. Dr. Scales and is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Intussusception in Children. His top areas of expertise are Kidney Stones, Obstructive Uropathy, Hydronephrosis, Ureteroscopy, and Lithotripsy. Dr. Scales is currently accepting new patients.
The outcome is good with early treatment. There is a risk this problem will come back.
When a hole or tear in the bowel occurs, it must be treated right away. If not treated, intussusception is almost always fatal for infants and young children.
Intussusception is a medical emergency. Call 911 or the local emergency number, or go to the emergency room right away.
Summary: Intussusception is one of the most frequent causes of acute bowel and second most common cause of acute abdominal pain in pediatric age .95 % of cases are idiopathic, the rest are either due to pathological lead point or post operative. Treatment of intussusception must start with medical resuscitation, then radiological or operative reduction of intussusception. Our surgery team has used hydrocor...
Summary: IgA vasculitis is relatively common in children,especially in Asian countries. Abdominal manifestation could be severe, including bleeding, pancreatitis,appendicitis and intestinal intussusception. Delayed diagnosis could be fatal and cause severe complications.Nowadays no guidelines for those with severe abdominal manifestations in China.However, the most used treatment is steroid. For those seve...
Published Date: February 17, 2024
Published By: Charles I. Schwartz, MD, FAAP, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, General Pediatrician at PennCare for Kids, Phoenixville, PA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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