Gastro - Intussusception

Question 1

What is intussusception?

Answer 1

Condition where bowel invaginates into itself

Question 2

What does intussusception lead to?

Answer 2

Thickened bowel size and narrowed lumen at folded area

This leads to a palpable mass in the abdomen and obstruction to passage of faeces

Question 3

Who is typically affected by intussusception?

Answer 3

6 months to 2 year olds
More common in boys

Question 4

What conditions are associated with intussusception?

Answer 4

Viral illness
Henoch-Schonlein purpura
Cystic fibrosis
Intestinal polyps
Meckel diverticulum

Question 5

How does intussusception present?

Answer 5

Severe colicky abdominal pain
Pale, lethargic unwell child
Redcurrant jelly stool
RUQ sausage-shapedmass on palpation
Vomiting
Intestinal obstruction

Question 6

What is the typical patient with intussusception?

Answer 6

Redcurrant jelly stool
Sausage-shaped mass in RUQ

After a viral URTI before this features of obstruction

Question 7

How is intussusception diagnosed?

Answer 7

Ultrasound scan or contrast enema

Question 8

What can be used to reduce the intussusception?

Answer 8

Therapeutic enemas
Water or air pumped into colon to force folded bowel out and into normal position

Surgical reduction

Question 9

When is a surgical resection necessary?

Answer 9

If bowel becomes gangrenous, due to lack of blood supply, or perforated

Question 10

What are the complications of intussusception?

Answer 10

Obstruction
Gangrenous bowel
Perforation
Death