Intussusception is a rare disorder in which a section of the intestines slides inside another part, much like a telescope, leading to obstruction. Most often occurring in children, it prevents food and fluid from passing, leading to digestion problems and sometimes more serious complications. Intussusception can be corrected if caught early.
Causes
In children, the exact cause of the disorder is unknown, although viral infections and the rotavirus vaccine have been linked to the condition, according to MayoClinic.com. In adults, on the other hand, intussusception is most often due to tumors, scar tissue or motility disorders of the stomach, which are often a result of the natural aging process.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms of intussusception in children include severe and intermittent abdominal pain, blood or mucus in the stool, a distended stomach, and fever and lethargy. Often infants will pull their knees to their chests when crying as an indication of abdominal pain. Symptoms are more often chronic in adults and include abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, and bowel movement changes. It is important to seek medical attention if these symptoms persist to prevent more severe complications of the disorder.
Complications
If left untreated, intussusception can be fatal. The lack of blood supply to the obstructed region can lead to perforations in the intestinal wall and development of peritonitis. Peritonitis, an infection of the abdominal cavity lining, is a life-threatening condition in children, as it can cause them to go into shock.
Diagnosis
The presence of a lump in the abdomen and other symptoms of intussusception may prompt a doctor to order testing of the blood and stool. To confirm a diagnosis, imaging of the abdomen is necessary. A colon X-ray involving an air or barium enema is often used. In this procedure, air or liquid barium is inserted into the colon to make the X-ray images clearer.
Treatment
Anyone experiencing symptoms of intussusception should seek medical care immediately. The first line of treatment is to use an air or barium enema to push the telescoping intestines back into place. This often corrects the condition. If more serious complications are present, such as tears in the intestinal or abdominal wall, surgery is required. A surgeon makes small incisions and puts the intestine back into place and while removing any obstructions.
