Intussuception

Question 1

Intussuception

Answer 1

Invagination of one portion of the bowel into the lumen of the adjacent bowel

Most commonly affects the ileo-caecal region

Question 2

Age group

Answer 2

6-18 months

Boys affected twice as often as girls

Question 3

Features

Answer 3

Intermittent, severe, crampy, progressive abdo pain

Inconsolable crying

During paroxysm the infant will characteristically draw their knees up and turn pale

Vomiting

Bloodstained stool ‘red currant jelly’ (late sign)

Sausage shaped mass in the RUQ

Question 4

Investigations

Answer 4

US is investigation of choice

Target-like mass

Question 5

Management

Answer 5

Air reduction under radiological control

If this fails or peritonitis surgery is performed