How to treat intussusception in infants

Written by Hu Qi Feng
Pediatrics
Updated on September 13, 2024
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The treatment of intussusception mainly includes non-surgical and surgical methods. The non-surgical method involves enema treatment. Within 48 hours of the onset of intussusception, if the overall condition is good, there is no abdominal distension, no apparent dehydration, and no electrolyte disorders, ultrasound-guided hydrostatic enema, air enema, or barium enema can be performed. If the intussusception lasts more than 48 to 72 hours, or if the duration is shorter but the condition is severe, with intestinal necrosis or perforation, surgical treatment is required.

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Written by Hu Qi Feng
Pediatrics
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The earliest symptoms of intussusception in infants

The early symptoms of infantile intussusception mainly include abdominal pain and vomiting. The abdominal pain is typically paroxysmal and severe, manifesting as acute, intermittent colic. The child may cry and be restless, curling up with knees drawn in, and may appear pale. The abdominal pain eases after several minutes or more, but reoccurs every ten to twenty minutes. Vomiting mainly involves reflexive vomiting of curdled milk or food residues. In later stages, bile and fecal-like liquid may be present, indicating intestinal obstruction.

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Written by Bai Yan Hui
Pediatrics
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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.

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Written by Hu Qi Feng
Pediatrics
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Can intussusception resolve itself automatically?

Some children with intussusception may resolve spontaneously, but it is important to closely monitor their condition with ultrasound to understand the status of the intussusception. If it does not resolve on its own in a short period, immediate surgical treatment is necessary. If the ultrasound shows successful resolution, or if the child's clinical symptoms such as vomiting and abdominal pain improve and the ultrasound does not reveal any obvious abnormalities, it is considered an automatic recovery.

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Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
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Symptoms of intussusception in babies

Intussusception in infants initially manifests as vomiting, including the contents of the stomach and sometimes even a coffee-colored liquid. Subsequently, the infant may appear inconsolably fussy and experience abdominal pain, which is communicated through crying, as infants are unable to speak. Additionally, the stool may appear like jam or contain pus and blood, which is due to bleeding from the intestinal mucosa and intestinal tubes. Upon observing these symptoms, it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly and conduct further examinations at a hospital, such as an abdominal ultrasound and an upright abdominal X-ray, to confirm the diagnosis.

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Written by Hu Qi Feng
Pediatrics
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What department should I go to for infant intussusception?

Intussusception often occurs in infants and young children, mainly presenting with vomiting, abdominal pain, and bloody stools. The first department usually visited is the emergency pediatrics. If intussusception is confirmed, treatment may involve surgery or non-surgical reduction. Therefore, after confirming intussusception, the patient needs to be transferred to pediatric surgery or general surgery for inpatient treatment.