Paediatrics

Intussusception

A segment of bowel telescopes into the adjacent segment, dragging its mesentery with it and causing intermittent obstruction, venous congestion, ischaemia and potentially perforation; prompt paediatric-surgical assessment is essential.

Definition

Intussusception is invagination of one segment of bowel into an adjacent segment, usually causing obstruction and potentially bowel ischaemia, necrosis and perforation.

First principles

The bowel telescopes and carries its mesentery with it

A proximal segment of bowel invaginates into the adjacent distal segment, most often around the ileocaecal region in a young child. The trapped mesentery is compressed within the receiving bowel, causing venous and lymphatic congestion, oedema and progressive obstruction.

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