Intussusception is a condition that is commonly seen in children, in which the intestine folds into another part of the intestine. It prevents the digestion of food and can lead to several other problems.
In children, there is mostly no known cause for intussusception. However, one of the causes can be identified as Meckel’s diverticulum, which is a lead point in the intestine. In adults, conditions such as tumors, adhesions or scar-like tissues in the intestines, and swelling are possible causes.
People who are most commonly affected are males between the ages of six months to 3 years. Others who face certain medical conditions such as cystic fibrosis and Crohn’s Disease are also more prone to intussusception.
Symptoms of intussusception include severe cramping/pain, nausea, and diarrhea. At the start, pain only lasts for a repeated few minutes, but increases as the condition becomes more severe. Intussusception can also lead to perforation or tearing of the intestinal wall, and peritonitis.
Diagnosis can be done through laboratory and diagnostic tests such as ultrasounds, X-rays, and CT scans.
Air or barium enema is one of the treatment methods for intussusception, having a 90% success rate. However, if the intestine is torn, barium enema is not successful, or the cause of the condition is a lead point, surgery is needed.
References
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/intussusception/symptoms-causes/syc-20351452
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/intussusception/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20351457