About Intussusception

Overview

Intussusception is a condition where part of the intestine folds into another section, similar to how a telescope collapses. This can cause a blockage in the intestines, cutting off blood flow and leading to damage in the intestines. It is most common in babies and young children but is rare in adults. Usually, it happens when the last part of the small intestine (the ileum) folds into the first part of the large intestine (the cecum). Early diagnosis and treatment are important because the condition can be very dangerous if not treated, but with quick care, recovery is excellent.

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact causes of intussusception are not always known, but there are some known factors that can add to its development. Here are the root causes and risk factors:

Root causes:

Bowel infection: In some cases, intussusception can be caused by a bowel infection.
Polyps or tumors: Sometimes, intussusception can be caused small growths in the bowel called polyps or larger masses called tumors.

Non-modifiable risk factors cannot be changed or controlled. These include:

Age: Intussusception is more common in children, especially those under 3 years old.
Gender: It occurs more often in males.
Family history: Having a sibling with a history of intussusception can increase the risk of developing the condition.

Modifiable risk factors can be influenced or changed. These include:

Infections: Some infections can cause inflammation in the intestines, which may increase the risk of intussusception in children.
Cystic fibrosis: This is a genetic condition that affects the lungs and digestive system. It can cause thick mucus to build up in the intestines, which may lead to blockages and increase the risk of intussusception in children.
Endometriosis: In this condition, tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, sometimes affecting the intestines and leading to problems, like intussusception.
Bowel adhesions: Scar tissue (adhesions) from previous surgeries or injuries can cause parts of the intestines to stick together, increasing the risk of developing intussusception.
Intestinal tumors: Growths or tumors in the intestines can block the normal flow of food and waste, adding to the development of intussusception.

It's important to note that while these factors may increase the chance of developing Intussusception, they do not mean it will happen. If you have concerns about intussusception or any other medical condition, it's best to talk with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

Symptoms

The most common early symptoms of intussusception include:

Abdominal pain: The pain can come and go, and it may start suddenly. Children may suddenly crouch down or pull their knees up to their chest because of the pain.
Nausea and vomiting

As intussusception progresses or becomes more severe, additional symptoms may occur. These can be different depending on whether it is seen in children or adults:

Common symptoms in children with later stages or higher severity of intussusception may include:

A mass in the abdominal area: A lump in the stomach area that can be seen or felt
Bloody stool: Stool that has blood in it, sometimes described as looking like jelly
Diarrhea: Frequent, watery bowel movements
Fever
Little or no energy: Feeling very tired or weak

Intussusception is rare in adults but can show up with unclear symptoms. When symptoms do appear, they may include:

Abdominal pain
Nausea and vomiting

It's important to note that intussusception can look different in each person, and symptoms can be different. If you or someone you know has signs of intussusception, it is important to get medical help right away to get checked and find out what’s causing the symptoms.

Diagnosis

To diagnose intussusception, doctors commonly perform the following exams, tests, and procedures:

History and physical exam: A healthcare provider will ask you about any symptoms or factors that might be causing your or your child’s condition During a physical exam, they may check for bloating or swelling of the abdomen, feel for a lump or mass in the abdomen, and press or tap on the abdomen to check for tenderness or pain.
Imaging tests: Doctors may use the following tests to diagnose intussusception:
- X-rays: These use a small amount of radiation to create pictures of the inside of the body.
- Ultrasound: This uses sound waves to create an image of organs. It is often the best way to diagnose intussusception in children and can correctly identify or rule out the condition in nearly all cases. Computed tomography (CT): This uses a combination of x-rays and computer technology to create detailed images. It is more commonly used in adults.

To determine the stage or severity of intussusception, additional exams, tests, and procedures may be performed. These can include:

Lower gastrointestinal series (barium enema): This test uses x-rays and a chalky liquid called barium to take pictures of the large intestine. It helps doctors see where the problem is and how serious it is.
In some cases, surgery may be needed if there are complications such as a hole in the intestines (perforation) or if other treatments haven’t worked.

Remember that these are general descriptions and individual cases may be different It's important to talk with your healthcare professional for personalized advice and guidance.

Treatment Options

The goals of treatment for intussusception are to fix the problem, relieve symptoms, and prevent complications. The specific treatment depends on how serious the condition is, as well as the person’s age and overall health. Here are the different types of treatments and how they work to achieve these goals:

Nonsurgical methods:

Barium saline or pneumatic pressure enema: This is a procedure where air of fluid is put into the intestine to help push the folded part of the intestine back to where it should be, removing the blockage.

Surgical methods:

Surgery is usually done if other treatments don’t work or if part of the intestine is dying.
During surgery, the surgeon makes a cut in the abdomen and moves the intestine back to its normal position by hand.

Health behavior changes:

There are no specific lifestyle changes recommended for intussusception treatment.

It's important to note that specific medication types or therapies are not usually used as main treatments for intussusception. However, pain medication may be prescribed to manage discomfort during treatment.

Remember, treatment decisions should be made by a healthcare professional based on the person’s situation.

Medication dosing may be affected by many factors. Check with your health care professional about dosing for your individual situation. Other side effects can occur. Check with your health care professional or read the information provided with your medication for additional side effect information.