Intussusception

Question 1

Define intussusception

Answer 1

Invagination (telescoping) of proximal bowel into distal segment (commonly ileum) passing into caecum through ileocaecal valve

Question 2

Peak age of intussusception

Answer 2

3 months - 5yrs

Question 3

Clinical features of intussusception

Answer 3

May have preceding viral respiratory illness

Redcurrant jelly stool

Severe colicky pain

Vomiting may be bile

Sausage-shaped mass in abdomen

Question 4

Investigations in intussusception

Answer 4

Abdominal USS - target sign

Contrast enema

Question 5

Management of intussusception

Answer 5

Rectal air insufflation or contrast enema (if child clinically stable)

Question 6

When is operative reduction indicated for intussusception?

Answer 6

Failure of non-operative management

Peritonitis or perforation is present

Haemodynamically unstable

Question 7

Complications of intussusception

Answer 7

Bowel perforation

Peritonitis

Gut necrosis