Intussusception is a common pediatric surgical emergency that occurs when one segment of the intestine slides into another segment, like a telescope.. Currently, the exact cause of intussusception in children has not been clearly identified. However, studies suggest that this condition may be associated with abnormalities in intestinal peristalsis (the movement of the muscles to progress digestion) or triggering factors such as gastrointestinal viral infections.

Why is intussusception dangerous?

Intestinal obstruction prevents food and fluids from passing through the bowel, causing vomiting, dehydration, fatigue, lethargy, drowsiness, and reduced activity in children. Prolonged obstruction leads to insufficient blood supply to the intestinal wall, resulting in necrosis of the affected bowel segment and requiring surgical removal of the dead tissue. Children may need prolonged hospitalization and face an increased risk of infection. Severe ischemia (reduced blood flow) can cause perforation of the necrotic bowel segment, leading to peritonitis – a life-threatening condition that requires emergency treatment.

Symptoms of intussusception

Abdominal pain: Children experience sudden, severe, intermittent abdominal pain, often manifested by intense crying, arching of the back, twisting movements, and stopping play or refusing to feed.

Vomiting: Initially vomiting food contents; in later stages, vomiting green or yellow bile-stained fluid.

Bloody stools: May be bright red or dark brown; blood in stool can appear early after pain episodes or later, after 24 hours.

Ultrasound is a reliable method for diagnosing intussusception.

Treatment of intussusception

Air enema reduction is currently the most commonly used treatment method in most pediatric hospitals. This is a relatively simple procedure with a high success rate (over 90%) if the child is brought to the hospital early, before severe complications occur. If air reduction fails, if bowel perforation is present, or if there is an underlying pathological cause, surgery will be indicated for definitive treatment.

Prevention of intussusception in children

Currently, there is no specific method to prevent intussusception. However, when a child shows suspicious symptoms, parents should take the child to a medical facility as soon as possible for timely diagnosis and intervention. Delayed treatment can lead to dangerous complications such as intestinal obstruction, bowel necrosis, or even life-threatening conditions.