Intussusception

Intussusception is a serious medical condition where a segment of the intestine folds or telescopes into another section of itself, much like a collapsible telescope. This often leads to bowel obstruction, cutting off the blood supply to the affected intestinal tissue (ischemia), which can cause tissue death (necrosis), perforation, and peritonitis if left untreated. It primarily affects infants and young children, but can also occur in older children and adults. Prompt diagnosis and treatment, typically with an enema or surgery, are crucial to prevent complications. The exact cause is often unknown, but factors like viral infections, intestinal polyps, and abnormalities can play a role.

Intussusception meaning with examples

• In the pediatric emergency room, the doctors quickly suspected intussusception when the 6-month-old infant presented with sudden onset of severe, intermittent abdominal pain, accompanied by vomiting and bloody stools. A subsequent ultrasound confirmed the diagnosis. Emergency intervention was needed to prevent life threatening complications.
• The physician explained to the worried parents that the intussusception their toddler experienced, might be corrected by a barium or air enema. Success depended on the timing of intervention and the severity of the bowel obstruction. Without prompt care, the intussusception could cut off the bowel’s blood supply.
• After experiencing classic signs of intussusception, including acute abdominal pain and vomiting, the surgical team was prepared for the possibilities. Once the bowel was exposed, the intussusception was manually reduced. Then the tissue was assessed for ischemia and necrosis. Finally, the bowel was closed up.
• Although intussusception is usually seen in young children, adult cases do occur, sometimes linked to an underlying intestinal mass. The elderly patient’s complaint of abdominal pain and vomiting alarmed his physician, who ordered imaging. Subsequent findings confirmed the intussusception and identified a likely cause.