Lightning Learning: Intussusception
““Intussusception accounts for up to 25% of all abdominal emergencies in children up to the age of five.””
What?
Intussusception is the most common cause of intestinal obstruction in children aged from 5 months to 3 years. It accounts for up to 25% of all abdominal emergencies in children up to the age of 5.
Acute presentation to the Emergency Department
Most common in boys
Bowel “telescopes” in on itself (see diagram)
No known cause identified, but may be linked to infection
Why?
Spasms of acute colicky pain followed by lethargy/paleness.
?palpable “sausage shaped” mass, right upper quadrant and ‘red currant’ stools.
Reduced:
Bowel sounds
Blood flow to the affected part of the bowel
Function and bruising damage to the bowel tissue
Causing:
Dehydration due to vomiting
Ischaemia from lymphatic and venous obstruction
How?
Management
NGT insertion
IV bloods/correct dehydration
Abdo x-ray
Repair:
Air enema with analgesia
Surgical intervention
