Intussusception Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Intussusception is a condition when part of the intestine enters another part of the intestine. This can cause an obstruction in the intestine so that food cannot pass through the part that is experiencing the intussusception.
At the time of intussusception, there is pressure on the intestinal wall in that area. As a result, there can be a decrease in blood flow in this area which can then potentially damage the intestines.
Generally, this condition occurs in the part that connects the small intestine and large intestine. When intussusception, action must be taken to deal with it as soon as possible because if left unchecked it can result in the death of intestinal tissues.
Symptom
Intussusception sufferers will generally show signs like the following:
- commonly found in children
- vomit
- pain in the stomach (colic pain, severe pain and intermittent)
- enlarged / distended abdomen
- defecation removes blood and mucus, or it could be diarrhea
- children tend to be sleepy
- palpable mass in the stomach
Reason
The exact cause of intussusception is not known. It is estimated that the emergence of intussusception is related to a family history of intussusception. In addition, intussusception can also be a sign of a tumor in the stomach, inflammation of the appendix/appendicitis, swollen lymph nodes in the intestine, or scarring of the intestine.
In addition, there are also several risk factors that are thought to cause intussusception, such as:
- Age factor, children are known to experience intussusception more often
- Bowel deformities, such as congenital malformations of the intestines
- Gender factor, where there are more cases of intussusception in boys
Diagnosis
In determining the diagnosis of intussusception, the doctor will take anamnesis or collect data from the patient to find out the symptoms that are felt. On physical examination a mass shaped like a sausage ( dance sign ) can be found.
Investigations that may be carried out are abdominal X-rays, ultrasonography (USG), and contrast enemas (radiological examinations by swallowing a contrast agent beforehand).
Treatment
As a first step in treatment, generally children who experience intussusception will be asked to fast, be fitted with an IV, and an NGT tube to deliver liquid nutrition to the body.
Non-surgical treatment is performed with the use of air enemas ( pneumatic ) with air or hydrostatic with barium or water-soluble contrast agents. This method is done to help ‘take out’ the intestine that has gone the wrong way to other parts of the intestine so that it is in its normal position again.