children s health issues
Intussusception
Introduction
Intussusception is a disorder in which one segment of the intestine slides into another, much like the parts of a telescope. The affected segments block the bowel and block blood flow. The cause of intussusception usually is unknown. Symptoms include episodes of stomach pain and vomiting that start suddenly and come and go several times per hour, and then later, stools may become bloody. An air enema can confirm the diagnosis and also treat the condition. Sometimes surgery is needed. Intussusception is the most common cause of intestinal blockage among children between the ages of 6 months and 3 years. Boys are affected slightly more than girls, especially after 4 years of age. In most cases, the cause is unknown. In about 25% of children with intussusception, typically very young children and older children, the sliding (telescoping) is triggered by something in the intestine such as a Polyps of the Colon and Rectum , Sometimes the sliding (telescoping) segments return to normal without treatment. If not, the telescoping segments block the intestine and then shut off the blood flow (called ischemia) to the affected area. If blood flow is shut off for more than a few hours, the affected intestine may die (develop gangrene). If a segment of the intestine dies, small holes (perforations) can develop, allowing bacteria to enter the abdominal cavity, resulting in a serious infection inside the abdomen ( Peritonitis ). 