$Unique_ID{BRK00185}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{What is Intussusception?}
$Subject{blockage intussusception Digestive System bowels bowel obstruction
infants infant child children intestine intestines abdominal pain vomiting
rectal bleeding mass barium enema enemas sepsis obstructions}
$Volume{I-12}
$Log{
Anatomy of the Abdomen*0001501.scf}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What is Intussusception?


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QUESTION:  I know it is a funny sounding word, but recently, when my daughter
had a severe belly pain, the doctor mentioned it as a possible source of the
problem.  Happily it wasn't that, but I've always wondered what it meant.
What is intussusception and what are its symptoms?

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ANSWER:  Intussusception is the most common cause of bowel obstruction in
infants and children between three months and five years of age.  Overall,
however, it is still an uncommon condition, occurring only once in about every
2,000 children.  The condition develops when one part of the intestines
protrudes into an adjacent part of the intestines.  If untreated,
intussusception can cause serious bowel damage, perforation, and even death.
Though signs and symptoms are often variable, there are four classic symptoms
to look for:  the sudden onset of moderate to severe abdominal pain, vomiting,
rectal bleeding, and an abdominal mass which is experienced as a fullness in
the upper right section of the abdomen.  In many cases, all four symptoms are
not present and their absence often leads to misdiagnosis.  However, a
currant-jelly like stool mixed with blood and mucus is the most definitive
sign for a positive identification.
     Treatment is somewhat controversial, but two options exist.  The first is
a barium enema which can generate pressure in the colon and thus push the
intussusception out of the adjacent intestine.  Success rates are fairly good,
but the risk of perforation or the presence of serious illness such as sepsis
or shock rule out the barium enema as a viable option.  In such cases,
surgical resection of the bowel may be called for.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.