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Intussusception (Bowel Invagination)

Telescoping of one bowel segment into an adjacent segment causing obstruction and ischemia.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Genel Cerrahi department. Book Appointment →

What is Intussusception (Bowel Invagination)?

Intussusception (invagination) is the telescoping of a proximal bowel segment (intussusceptum) into the lumen of a distal segment (intussuscipiens). This leads to venous congestion, mucosal edema, and ultimately ischemic necrosis. It most often occurs in infants aged 6-24 months and is the most common cause of bowel obstruction in the pediatric age group.

In children, the most common cause is idiopathic (lymphoid hyperplasia secondary to viral infection), whereas in adults a pathological lead point such as polyp, tumor, Meckel's diverticulum, or foreign body should always be sought.

Diagnosis is established with the target sign or pseudo-kidney appearance on abdominal ultrasound. Contrast or air enema has both diagnostic and therapeutic value.

Symptoms

Intermittent sudden crying spells with leg drawing toward abdomen in infants
Currant jelly stool (bloody mucoid stool; late finding)
Sausage-shaped palpable mass in the right upper quadrant
Recurrent vomiting (initially non-bilious, later bilious)
Apathy, lethargy, and altered consciousness in children (late finding)
Intermittent abdominal pain and nausea in adults

Risk Factors

Infants aged 6-24 months (peak age for idiopathic form)
Recent viral upper respiratory tract infection
Meckel's diverticulum and intestinal polyps
Henoch-Schönlein purpura (submucosal hematoma as lead point)
Cystic fibrosis (intussusception due to viscous stool)
Colon cancer or small bowel tumors in adults

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Intermittent crying spells and abdominal distension in an infant
  • Bloody mucoid stool together with vomiting
  • Palpable abdominal mass
  • Deteriorating general condition, lethargy, and fever
  • After diagnosis is made for emergency intervention planning

Treatment Methods

01
Air or barium enema radiologic reduction: 80-95% success rate, the preferred first-line method
02
Hydrostatic ultrasound-guided saline enema: alternative method
03
Surgery: when radiologic reduction fails, peritonitis, or suspected necrosis
04
Surgical reduction: gentle manual decompression of the invagination
05
Bowel resection: in the presence of ischemic or necrotic segment
06
In adults: investigate the underlying pathology and plan surgical resection

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Genel Cerrahi department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.