What Is the Meaning of Intussusception?

We all get tummy aches, gas and stomach viruses. But intussusception is an extremely painful abdominal condition that needs immediate medical attention before it becomes an emergency. Adults with either acute or chronic stomach pain need to have it evaluated. Intussusception, if untreated, can become life-threatening.

Definition

• Intussusception is an emergency condition where a portion of the small intestine or colon folds back up into itself. Rare in adults, it is the most commonly seen blockage of the intestines in children. The intestine is unable to pass food or fluid. If not treated, the blood supply will be blocked to the part of the intestine that has slipped inside itself.

Symptoms

• In adults, symptoms may be sudden and acute, felt over a long period of time, or may be sporadic. Complaints include nausea, vomiting, cramping, pain, changes in bowel habits or rectal bleeding.

  In an infant, symptoms may mimic colic. He may pull his legs up to his chest, screaming, then calm down between episodes of pain. Symptoms of nausea, vomiting and fever may mimic a stomach virus. A lump or swelling in the abdomen may be mistaken for a hernia or gas. Stools may be bloody or look like currant jelly, always a cause for concern. If a child or adult is pale, has a rapid heart rate or is sweating, the possibility of a ruptured intestine is real, and should be considered an emergency.

Causes

• The cause of intussusception is most often unknown. It is sometimes blamed on a viral infection. Children with cystic fibrosis may be at higher risk. According to Mayo Clinic, the rotavirus vaccine was loosely linked to cases of intussusception until 1999, when it was removed from the market, and no increase in cases has been shown with the newer vaccines. Tumors, polyps, intestinal scar tissue, chronic diarrhea and irritable bowel have all taken the blame.

Risk factors

• Children three months to 6 years are at highest risk of developing intussusception, with 65 percent of all cases being found in children less than 1 year old. Girls are only half as likely to develop the condition as boys. A child who has had intussusception once is at greater risk of developing it again than is the general population.

Treatment

• In the past, a barium enema was performed to diagnose the condition. The passage of this heavy liquid through the intestine was often enough to correct the condition itself. Now an ultrasound is usually performed for diagnosis. Considering the amount of pain intussusception causes, the treatment can seem surprisingly simple.

  Usually the first treatment is an air enema. This forces the telescoped portion of the intestine back out and into normal position in 75 percent to 90 percent of pediatric cases, according to Merck Manual. Antibiotics are occasionally needed. Surgical correction may become necessary if the condition does not resolve, or if a portion of the intestine dies due to lack of blood or it ruptures.

Prognosis

• With prompt and successful treatment, most individuals recover completely. If not caught in time, part of the intestinal wall may die and tear open, spilling the contents of the intestines into the abdominal cavity and setting up conditions for infection, called peritonitis. Peritonitis is considered a life-threatening condition and usually requires surgery.