Intussusception
Urgent care when one part of the intestine slides into another.
What is intussusception?
Intussusception occurs when one part of the intestine slides into the next, like a telescope. This causes blockage and can reduce blood flow to the affected bowel. It most commonly affects infants between 3 months and 3 years of age.
Symptoms
- Sudden episodes of severe crying or abdominal pain
- Pulling legs up to the chest during pain episodes
- Vomiting — may become green (bilious) as condition worsens
- Blood and mucus in stool (sometimes described as "currant jelly")
- Lethargy or paleness between episodes
Treatment
This is a medical emergency. Non-operative reduction using air or liquid enema under imaging guidance is often attempted first. If reduction is unsuccessful or the child is unstable, surgery is performed to unwind the intestine and address any damaged bowel.
- Urgent diagnosis with ultrasound
- Non-operative enema reduction when appropriate
- Laparoscopic or open surgical repair when needed
- 24/7 pediatric surgical emergency care
What we offer
- Emergency diagnosis & treatment
- Non-operative reduction when possible
- Laparoscopic surgical repair
- 24/7 pediatric surgical support
When to contact us
- Sudden severe abdominal pain with vomiting in an infant or toddler
- Episodes of screaming followed by lethargy
- Blood or mucus in the diaper or stool
- A previously well child becomes pale, weak, or very unwell
Key points
- Intussusception is an emergency — seek care immediately
- Early treatment has excellent outcomes in most children
- Non-operative reduction avoids surgery in many cases
- Shreeji Surgical Hospital provides urgent pediatric surgical support
