Intestinal Obstruction in Infants

Intussusception

What is intussusception?

Intussusception is the most common cause of intestinal obstruction in children between ages three months and three years old. Intussusception occurs when a portion of the intestine folds like a telescope, with one segment slipping inside another segment. It can occur in the colon, the small bowel, or between the small bowel and colon. The result can be a blocked small bowel or colon. This causes an obstruction, preventing the passage of food that is being digested through the intestine.

The walls of the two "telescoped" sections of intestine press on each other, causing irritation and swelling. Eventually, the blood supply to that area is cut off, which can cause damage to the intestine.

Illustration demonstrating intussusception

Click Image to Enlarge

What causes intussusception?

The cause of intussusception is not known. It may occur more frequently in people who have relatives who also had intussusception.

An increased incidence of developing intussusception is often seen in children:

  • Who have cystic fibrosis and are also dehydrated.

  • Who have abdominal or intestinal tumors or masses.

  • Who have an intestinal virus known as gastroenteritis.

  • Who have an upper respiratory tract infection, including infection with adenovirus.

  • Who have just finished taking chemotherapy for cancer.

How often does intussusception occur?

Intussusception is rarely seen in newborn infants. Although most of the children who develop the condition are less than 3 years old, intussusception can also occur in older children, teenagers, and adults.

  • Intussusception seems to occur more often in the spring and fall months.

Why is intussusception of concern?

Intussusception is a life-threatening illness. If left untreated, it can cause serious damage to the intestines, since their blood supply is cut off. Intestinal infection can occur, and the intestinal tissue can also die. Untreated intussusception can also cause internal bleeding and a severe abdominal infection called peritonitis.

What are the symptoms of intussusception?

The most common symptom of intussusception is sudden, loud crying caused by an onset of intermittent abdominal pain in a previously well child. However, each child may experience symptoms differently. The pain may be mistaken for colic at first, and occurs at frequent intervals. Infants and children may strain, draw their knees up, act very irritable, and cry loudly. Your child may recover and become playful in-between bouts of pain, or may become tired and weak from crying.

Vomiting may also occur with intussusception, and it usually starts soon after the pain begins.

Your child may pass a normal stool, but the next stool may look bloody. Further, a red mucus or jelly-like stool is usually seen with intussusception.

Symptoms of intussusception, such as fever, lethargy, vomiting bile, diarrhea, sweating, dehydration, and an abdominal distention or lump, may resemble other conditions or medical problems. Please consult your child's doctor for a diagnosis.

How is intussusception diagnosed?

A doctor will obtain a medical history and perform a physical examination of your child. Imaging studies are also done to examine the abdominal organs, and may include:

  • Abdominal X-ray. A diagnostic test which may show intestinal obstruction.

  • Upper GI (gastrointestinal) series. A diagnostic test that examines the organs of the upper part of the digestive system: the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (the first section of the small intestine). A fluid called barium (a metallic, chemical, chalky liquid used to coat the inside of organs so that they will show up on an X-ray) is swallowed. X-rays are then taken to evaluate the digestive organs.

  • Barium enema (also called a lower GI series). A procedure performed to examine the large intestine for abnormalities. A fluid called barium (a metallic, chemical, chalky, liquid used to coat the inside of organs so that they will show up on an X-ray) is given into the rectum as an enema. An x-ray of the abdomen shows strictures (narrowed areas), obstructions (blockages), and other problems. On some occasions, the pressure exerted on the intestine while inserting barium will help the intestine to unfold, correcting the intussusception.

What is the treatment for intussusception?

Specific treatment for intussusception will be determined by your child's doctor based on the following:

  • The extent of the problem

  • The health of the child

  • The opinion of the doctors involved in the child's care

  • Your opinion and preference

In some instances, intussusception will fix itself while being diagnosed with a barium enema. However, if your child is very ill with an abdominal infection or other complications, your doctor may not choose to perform this procedure.

Treatment may include:

Surgery An operation is necessary for intussusception that does not resolve with a barium enema, or for those who are too ill to have this diagnostic procedure. Under anesthesia, the surgeon will make an incision in the abdomen, locate the intussusception, and push the "telescoped" sections back into place. The intestine will be examined for damage, and, if any sections are not working correctly, they will be removed.

If there is damage to the intestine and the section removed is small, the two sections of healthy intestine will be sewn back together.

If the injured section of intestine is large, a significant amount of intestine may be removed. In this case, the parts of the intestine that remain after the damaged section is removed cannot be attached to each other surgically. A colostomy may be done so that the digestive process can continue. With a colostomy, the two remaining healthy ends of intestine are brought through openings in the abdomen. Stool will pass through the opening (called a stoma) and then into a collection bag. The colostomy may be temporary or permanent, depending on the amount of intestine that needed to be removed.

Illustration of bowel resection and colostomy

Click Image to Enlarge

What is the long-term outlook for a child with intussusception?

If not treated, intussusception is a life-threatening disorder. If treated within 24 hours, most babies recover completely.

The long-term outlook depends on the extent of intestinal damage (if any). Children with intestinal injury who had the damaged part removed may have long-term problems. When a large portion of the intestine is removed, the digestive process can be affected. Removing a large segment of the intestine can prevent a child from getting adequate nutrients and fluids. In this case, nutrition may need to be supplemented with long-term, high calorie IV (intravenous) solutions given through special IV catheters.

Consult your doctor regarding the prognosis for your child.

Related Questions

Health Calculators

Weight Loss Calculator

Weight Loss Calculator

Calculate your daily calorie intake depending on your weight loss goal.

BMI/Overweight Calculator

BMI/Overweight Calculator

It help you figure out whether you are overweight, underweight or...

BMR Calculator

BMR Calculator

This calculator gives the amount of calories your body would burn If...

Calorie Burned Calculator

Calorie Burned Calculator

It will display the number of calories you'll approximately burn...