Intussusception

Question 1

Intussusception is the most common cause of intestinal obstruction between ages 3 months - 3 years. True or False?

Answer 1

True

Question 2

What child population (diagnosis) is at highest risk for intussusception?

Answer 2

CF kids

Question 3

What is the most likely cause of intussusception.. (90% of cases however have unknown cause)?

Answer 3

Most likely cause of intussusception is hypertrophy of intestinal lymphoid tissue secondary to viral infection.

Question 4

What is the patho behind intussusception?

Answer 4

Intussusception is when a segment of the bowel (most commonly near the ileocecal valve- where small intestine meets large intestine) telescopes into a distal segment causing lymphatic and venous obstruction… eventually leading to necrosis.

Question 5

s/s of intussusception…

Answer 5

-sudden abdominal pain
-inconsolable crying
-drawing up of knees to the chest
-bilious vomiting may occur as patho worsens

CLASSIC TRIAD of Intussusception s/s:
*sudden onset of pain
*palpable sausage-shaped abdominal mass
*currant jelly-like stools

Question 6

What are some non-surgical treatments for intussusception?

Answer 6

Barium Enema- this allows for force to correct telescoped region of small bowel
-barium enemas are becoming less common due to risk for peritonitis
-water-soluble contrast enemas are now preferred

Air Pressure Administration- this is the same concept as a barium enema but with less risk for peritonitis!

**The presence of normal stool indicates successful treatment.