What are the parts of intussusception?

Intussusception is a condition in which one segment of intestine “telescopes” inside of another, causing an intestinal obstruction (blockage). Although intussusception can occur anywhere in the gastrointestinal tract, it usually occurs at the junction of the small and large intestines.

What is the triad of intussusception?

Traditional teaching states that intussusception presents with a classic triad of symptoms: paroxysmal abdominal pain, bloody stool, and vomiting (9, 10). However, this classic triad appears only in 10–20% of intussusception cases (2). Many patients present with only irritability or other non-specific complaints.

What are the two most common causes of intussusception in infants?

In kids younger than 3 months old or older than 5, intussusception is more likely to be caused by an underlying condition like enlarged lymph nodes, a tumor, or a blood vessel problem in the intestines. Intussusception is most common in babies 5 to 9 months old, but older children also can have it.

What is the most common type of intussusception?

Ileocolic intussusception is the most common form of intussusception in children. The etiology of pediatric intussusception is usually idiopathic, with only 10% of cases having an identifiable precipitating lesion.

What is the gold standard for intussusception?

Barium enema is considered the gold standard in diagnosis of intussusception. However it is invasive, exposes children to radiation, and requires the on-site presence of an experienced radiologist, making it impractical in many hospitals during the after-hours.

What is a lead point in intussusception?

The lead point of the intussusception is most often an enlarged lymph node (Peyers patch) in the terminal ileum. Occasionally, the lead point is an anatomic abnormality of the intestine (a “pathologic lead point”).

What is the most common cause of intussusception in adults?

In contrast, almost 90% of the cases of intussusception in adults are secondary to a pathologic condition that serves as a lead point, such as carcinomas, polyps, Meckel’s diverticulum, colonic diverticulum, strictures or benign neoplasms, which are usually discovered intraoperatively[5–7].

What is the difference between volvulus and intussusception?

Intussusception refers to invagination or telescoping of a part of the intestine into itself, and malrotation volvulus is a congenital anomaly that results when the normal sequence of rotation and fixation of the bowel fails, which may result in intestinal obstruction.

What is the pathophysiology of intussusception?

Intussusception occurs if there is an imbalance between the longitudinal and radial smooth muscle forces of intestine that maintain its normal structure. This imbalance leads to a segment of intestine to invaginate into another segment and cause entero-enteral intussusception.

What is the treatment of choice for intussusception?

The surgeon will free the portion of the intestine that is trapped, clear the obstruction and, if necessary, remove any of the intestinal tissue that has died. Surgery is the main treatment for adults and for people who are acutely ill.

What surgery is done for intussusception?

In the patient with intussusception of the small intestine, an associated primary malignancy is uncommon. Initial reduction, followed by limited surgical resection, is the preferred treatment. Surgical resection without reduction is favored only when an underlying primary malignancy is clinically suspected.

How can intussusception be prevented?

Since the there is no known cause, there is no way to prevent or avoid intussusception.

What is the most common site of intussusception in pediatrics?

Intussusception usually involves the small bowel and rarely the large bowel. Symptoms include abdominal pain, which may wax and wane, vomiting, bloating, and bloody stool. It may result in small bowel obstruction.