Intussusception in Children(Bowel obstruction)quick review2023

Intussusception: types, Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Intussusception is a condition in which a portion of the alimentary tract telescopes into an adjacent segment, leading to intestinal obstruction. It is more commonly observed in males and is the most common cause of intestinal obstruction in children between 3 months and 6 years of age.

 In this article, we will discuss types ,causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options

Types :

Ileocolic (most common)

Cecocolic

Ileoileal

Causes : 

It is often idiopathic in children aged between 3 to 9 months. However, it can be triggered by gastrointestinal infection or the introduction of new food proteins, resulting in swollen Peyer’s patches in the terminal ileum. In some cases, it can be caused by recognizable lead points such as Meckel’s diverticulum, intestinal polyp, neurofibroma, intestinal duplication, hemangioma, or malignant conditions such as lymphoma.

Symptoms : 

It presents with sudden onset of severe paroxysmal colicky abdominal pain that recurs at frequent intervals. The child may cry loudly, and there may be straining efforts with legs and knee flexed. The stool may contain blood and mucus, resembling current jelly, and there may be reflex vomiting. Abdominal distension and tenderness may also be present. In rare cases, intestine prolapses through the rectum, producing a mass per rectum.

Diagnosis : 

On palpation, a sausage-shaped tender palpable mass and emptiness in the right iliac fossa (dance sign) may be present. 

Barium enema is both diagnostic and therapeutic and shows a claw sign and coiled spring sign. 

X-ray of the abdomen shows the crescent sign, where intussusception leads to a point into a gas-filled lumen, and the target sign, where a mass in the right upper quadrant forms a shape of a target.

Treatment: 

The initial management is correction by barium enema. If this fails, surgical correction is performed.

Conclusion:

It is a common cause of intestinal obstruction in children. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications such as bowel perforation and sepsis. Parents should seek medical attention immediately if their child exhibits symptoms of intussusception.

Frequently asked question

Q-What is the main cause of intussusception?

It  can be triggered by gastrointestinal infection or the introduction of new food proteins, resulting in swollen Peyer’s patches in the terminal ileum. In some cases, intussusception can be caused by recognizable lead points such as Meckel’s diverticulum, intestinal polyp, neurofibroma, intestinal duplication, hemangioma, or malignant conditions such as lymphoma.

Q-What are the classic signs of an intussusception?

Q-What are the symptoms of intussusception in babies?

Q-अंतर्ग्रहण का मुख्य कारण क्या है?

Q-What is the most common side of intussusception?

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