Gastro: Intussusception Flashcards
What is Intussusception?
part of the intestine slides into an adjacent part of the intestine. This “telescoping” often blocks food or fluid from passing through. Intussusception also cuts off the blood supply to the part of the intestine that’s affected, which can lead to a tear in the bowel (perforation), infection and death of bowel tissue.
How does adults and children get it?
Intussusception is the most common cause of intestinal obstruction in children younger than 3. The cause of most cases of intussusception in children is unknown. Though rare in adults, most cases of adult intussusception are the result of an underlying medical condition, such as a tumor.
How is this dealt with?
In children, the intestines can usually be pushed back into position with an X-ray procedure. In adults, surgery is often required to correct the problem.
What are the symptoms of Intussusception in Children?
The first sign of intussusception in an otherwise healthy infant may be sudden, loud crying caused by abdominal pain. Infants who have abdominal pain, Nausea may pull their knees to their chests when they cry.
The pain of intussusception comes and goes, usually every 15 to 20 minutes at first. These painful episodes last longer and happen more often as time passes.
Other frequent signs and symptoms of intussusception include:
Stool mixed with blood and mucus (sometimes referred to as “currant jelly” stool because of its appearance)
Vomiting
A lump in the abdomen
Lethargy
Diarrhea
Fever
Not everyone has all of the symptoms. Some infants have no obvious pain, and some children don’t pass blood or have a lump in the abdomen. Some older children have pain but no other symptoms.
What are the symptoms of Intussusception in Adults?
Because intussusception is rare in adults and symptoms of the disorder often overlap with the symptoms of other disorders, it’s more challenging to identify. The most common symptom is abdominal pain that comes and goes. Nausea and vomiting may also occur.
What could be causes?
one part of your intestine — usually the small intestine — slides inside an adjacent part. This is sometimes called telescoping because it’s similar to the way a collapsible telescope folds together.
telescoping is caused by an abnormal growth in the intestine, such as a polyp or a tumor (called a lead point). The normal wave-like contractions of the intestine grab this lead point and pull it and the lining of the intestine into the bowel ahead of it.
Other times we can’t
What cause’s it in children?
Because intussusception seems to occur more often in the fall and winter and because many children with the problem also have flu-like symptoms, some suspect a virus may play a role in the condition. Sometimes, a lead point can be identified as the cause of the condition — most frequently the lead point is a Meckel’s diverticulum (a pouch in the lining of the small intestine).
What individual cause’s in Adult’s
intussusception is usually the result of a medical condition or procedure, including:
A polyp or tumor
Scar-like tissue in the intestine (adhesions)
Weight-loss surgery (gastric bypass) or other surgery on the intestinal tract
Inflammation due to diseases such as Crohn’s disease
What are the risk factors for Intussusception?
Age: children mor elikely
Sex: boys more than girls
Intestional malrotation a birth (defect)
Prior history of Intussusception
Family History.
Complications caused by Intussusception?
can cut off the blood supply to the affected portion of the intestine. If left untreated, lack of blood causes tissue of the intestinal wall to die. Tissue death can lead to a tear (perforation) in the intestinal wall, which can cause an infection of the lining of the abdominal cavity (peritonitis).
Diagnosis is done by?
He or she may be able to feel a sausage-shaped lump in the abdomen. To confirm the diagnosis
Ultrasound or other abdominal imaging. An ultrasound, X-ray or computerized tomography (CT) scan may reveal intestinal obstruction caused by intussusception. Imaging will typically show a “bull’s-eye,” representing the intestine coiled within the intestine. Abdominal imaging also can show if the intestine has been torn (perforated).
Air or barium enema. An air or barium enema is basically enhanced imaging of the colon. During the procedure, the doctor will insert air or liquid barium into the colon through the rectum.
In addition, an air or barium enema can actually fix intussusception 90 percent of the time in children, and no further treatment is needed. A barium enema can’t be used if the intestine is torn.
Treatment of Intussusception: Intial Care
Becuz it is treated as a medical emergency to avoid sever dehydration and schock.
Intially: child gets fluids IV line.
Helping the intestines decompress by putting a tube through the child’s nose and into the stomach (nasogastric tube)
Treatment of Intussusception:
Correcting after intial Care
A barium or air enema. This is both a diagnostic procedure and a treatment. If an enema works, further treatment is usually not necessary. More for kids than adults.
Surgery. If the intestine is torn, if an enema is unsuccessful in correcting the problem or if a lead point is the cause, surgery is necessary. 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.
