Intussusception

Intussusception is a condition where part of the intestine slides into an adjacent section, much like the parts of a telescope folding into each other. This affects the digestive system and can cause a blockage that prevents food or fluid from passing through. It often leads to sudden, severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and sometimes bloody stools. The condition is most common in young children but can occur at any age. If untreated, it can cause serious problems like damage to the intestine due to loss of blood flow. Early recognition of symptoms is important because it can be a medical emergency.

Intussusception is the telescoping of a proximal segment of the bowel (intussusceptum) into a distal segment (intussuscipiens), causing bowel obstruction and potential ischemia. It is most commonly idiopathic in infants and young children, often related to hypertrophied Peyer patches acting as a lead point. In older children and adults, it may be caused by a pathological lead point such as a tumor or Meckel diverticulum. The condition leads to venous congestion, bowel wall edema, and if untreated, ischemic necrosis and perforation. Clinically, it presents with intermittent abdominal pain, vomiting, and a palpable abdominal mass. It is a surgical emergency due to the risk of bowel infarction and peritonitis.