Why does intussusception cause bloody stool?

Written by Hu Qi Feng
Pediatrics
Updated on September 07, 2024
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Once intussusception occurs, only a small portion of the small intestine intussusceptions can reset themselves. Due to the continuous spasm of the sheathed intestinal tract, microcirculatory disorders occur in the intussuscepted segment. Initially, venous blood flow is obstructed, leading to tissue congestion and edema, venous varicosity, and mucosal cells secrete a large amount of mucus into the intestinal lumen, which mixes with blood and feces to form a jam-like jelly substance that is expelled. The intestinal wall becomes edematous, and the obstruction of venous return worsens, affecting the arteries, resulting in insufficient blood supply, and leading to systemic toxic symptoms. In severe cases, intestinal perforation and peritonitis can occur.

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How long will diarrhea from intussusception take to get better?

Intussusception causes diarrhea. In such cases, the intussusception itself indicates an intestinal blockage. Patients with the obstruction will experience significant pain, vomiting, bloating, and closure. The anus will stop discharging gas or stool. If diarrhea occurs at this time, it is not caused by the intussusception. If the intussusception cannot be resolved, the diarrhea will improve in the short term. Of course, we must address the main issue of intussusception, and the diarrhea can be temporarily disregarded. We only need to perform air enema reduction and mainly resolve the intestinal obstruction and intussusception through surgical treatment. Diarrhea, because it is treated with IV fluids and some intestinal anti-inflammatory medications, will naturally subside.

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Is infant intussusception dangerous?

Intussusception is a life-threatening emergency, and its reduction is an urgent treatment measure that should be performed immediately once confirmed. It is a common acute abdomen disease in infants and young children. Initially, the general condition may be good, but as the disease progresses, the condition worsens, leading to systemic deterioration, complications such as intestinal necrosis or peritonitis, and severe symptoms of poisoning such as severe dehydration, high fever, lethargy, coma, and shock.

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Written by Hu Qi Feng
Pediatrics
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Symptoms of intussusception in infants

The clinical manifestations of intussusception mainly include abdominal pain, vomiting, bloody stools, and an abdominal mass. The abdominal pain is often spasmodic and regular, manifesting as sudden severe colicky pain. The child appears to be crying and restless, with knees drawn up to the abdomen, pale complexion, and the pain lasts for several minutes or longer but lessens after; it recurs every ten to twenty minutes, accompanied by intestinal movements. Vomiting is an early clinical symptom, initially consisting of milk curds or food residue, and later may include bile and fecal-like liquid. Bloody stool is an important symptom, appearing within the first few hours; initially, the stools can be normal, with about 85% of cases excreting jam-like mucoid bloody stools within six to twelve hours of onset. The abdominal mass is often located in the upper right abdomen below the costal margin, where a slight, tender mass can be palpated.

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Written by Hu Qi Feng
Pediatrics
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Pediatric intussusception should see which department?

Intussusception often occurs in infants and young children, so the main symptoms are vomiting, bloody stools, and abdominal pain. Therefore, the initial consultation is usually in pediatric emergency. When intussusception is suspected as a cause of acute abdomen, the doctor will conduct intestinal tube and abdominal ultrasound examinations. If the ultrasound confirms intussusception, a transfer to pediatric surgery or emergency surgery may be considered for appropriate surgical treatment. Thus, the initial choice for consultation is usually pediatrics, but after a diagnosis is confirmed, treatment should be transferred to pediatric surgery.

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Intussusception should visit which department?

Intussusception generally falls under pediatric surgery, but many children arrive at the hospital without a clear self-diagnosis of intussusception; they often come due to abdominal pain. They can visit either the internal medicine department or the surgical department. At this point, the attending physician will conduct a thorough medical history inquiry, such as a standing abdominal radiograph, abdominal ultrasonography, and physical examination, to aid in diagnosis. If a diagnosis confirms the need for surgical intervention, whether it involves air enema or surgery, it is definitely within the scope of the surgical department.