Intussusception

Question 1

What is Intussusception?

Answer 1

A condition where the bowel “invaginates” or “telescopes” into itself

Question 2

How is the bowel affected with intussusception?

Answer 2

This thickens the overall size of the bowel and narrows the lumen at the folded area,

Question 3

What does intussusception result in?

Answer 3

A palpable mass in the abdomen and obstruction to the passage of faeces through the bowel.

Question 4

Who does intussusception usually affect?

Answer 4

infants 6 months to 2 years

more common in boys.

Question 5

What are the 2 characteristic signs of Intussusception?

Answer 5

• bloodstained stool - ‘red-currant jelly’ - is a late sign

* sausage-shaped mass in the right upper quadrant

Question 6

What are the symptoms of intussuception?

Answer 6

• Severe, colicky abdominal pain
• inconsolable crying
• Knees to chest-due to abdo pain
• Pale, lethargic and unwell child
• Vomiting
• Rectal bleeding

Question 7

How is intussusception diagnosed?

Answer 7

Ultrasound scan

Question 8

What might you see on an ultrasound scan?

Answer 8

Target-like mass

Question 9

What is the main management of Intussusception?

Answer 9

Reduction by air insufflation under radiological control

Question 10

When would you preform surgery for Intussusception?

Answer 10

When reduction by air insufflation under radiological control fails
or
If the child has signs of peritonitis

Question 11

What are possible complications of intussusception?

Answer 11

• Obstruction
• Gangrenous bowel
• Perforation
• Death

Question 12

What is Intussusception associated with?

Answer 12

• Concurrent viral illness
• Henoch-Schonlein purpura
• Cystic fibrosis
• Intestinal polyps
• Meckel diverticulum