Learn About Intussusception in Children

What is the definition of Intussusception in Children?

Intussusception is the sliding of one part of the intestine into another.

This article focuses on intussusception in children.

What are the alternative names for Intussusception in Children?

Abdominal pain in children - intussusception

What are the causes of Intussusception in Children?

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.

What are the symptoms of Intussusception in Children?

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
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What are the current treatments for Intussusception in Children?

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.

Who are the top Intussusception in Children Local Doctors?
1000 Trent Dr, 
Durham, NC 
 42.5 mi
Accepting New Patients
Offers Telehealth

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

2301 Erwin Rd, 
Durham, NC 
 42.5 mi
Accepting New Patients
Offers Telehealth

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.

 
 
 
 
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Duke Health Integrated Practice Inc

2301 Erwin Rd, 
Durham, NC 
 42.5 mi
Accepting New Patients
Offers Telehealth

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.

What is the outlook (prognosis) for Intussusception in Children?

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.

When should I contact a medical professional for Intussusception in Children?

Intussusception is a medical emergency. Call 911 or the local emergency number, or go to the emergency room right away.

What are the latest Intussusception in Children Clinical Trials?
Effect of Hydrocortisone on Improving Outcome of Pneumatic Reduction of Infantile Intussusception: A Randomized Controlled Trial

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...

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Clinical Study on Strategy for Refractory Henoch-Schönlein Purpura

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...

Who are the sources who wrote this article ?

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.

What are the references for this article ?

Abdulhai S, Ponsky T. Intussusception in infants and children. In: Wyllie R, Hyams JS, Kay M, eds. Pediatric Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 51.

Hu YY, Jensen T, Finck C. Surgical conditions of the small intestine in infants and children. In: Yeo CJ, ed. Shackelford's Surgery of the Alimentary Tract. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 83.

Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, Shah SS, Tasker RC, Wilson KM. Ileus, adhesions, intussusception, and closed-loop obstructions. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, Shah SS, Tasker RC, Wilson KM, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 359.

Maloney PJ. Pediatric gastrointestinal disorders. In: Walls RM, ed. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 166.