Pediatric intussusception

What is a pediatric intussusception?

Intussusception is an intestinal obstruction that occurs when one length of bowel “telescopes” into another.

Risk factor

This can be found in children of all ages, but most commonly occurs in children from 3 months to 3 years of age.

What are the signs and symptoms of a pediatric intussusception?

Common symptoms may include sudden, loud crying or sudden and severe abdominal pain. Other symptoms may include:

• Bloody stool

• Dehydration

• Diarrhea

• Extreme lethargy

• Fever

• Red, jelly-like stool

• Swollen belly

• Vomiting

How is a pediatric intussusception diagnosed?

Diagnosis is made through an abdominal X-ray and an ultrasound exam of the abdomen.

What are the causes of a pediatric intussusception?

Experts do not know what causes intussusception. There is an association to other conditions including viral infections, abdominal and/or intestinal tumors and masses, appendicitis, celiac disease, Crohn's disease and parasites.

Intussusceptions in older children (> 5 years of age) are frequently caused by polyps, diverticula and occasionally serious tumors.

How is a pediatric intussusception treated?

• Most intussusceptions can be treated by the radiologist with an air enema. This pushes the bowel trapped in intussusception back to its normal position. If air enema is unsuccessful in reducing intussusception, patient requires prompt surgery.

• A bowel obstruction from intussusception in an older child almost always requires surgery.