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 Quan Xiang Mei
Pediatrics
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How to treat intussusception in children?

Intussusception in children is a common surgical condition. The treatment approach depends on the severity of the child's clinical symptoms. If the intestines have not been telescoped for long, and the intestinal mucosa has not suffered ischemic necrosis, and if the clinical symptoms are mild, air enema can be used to relieve the intussusception without the need for surgery. However, if the clinical symptoms are severe and necrosis has been prolonged, meaning the intestinal mucosa has reached a state of ischemia and necrosis that is irreparable, surgical treatment in a surgical setting is definitely required. Whether surgery or air enema is needed should be decided based on the actual color ultrasound results and a comprehensive diagnosis by the clinician.

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Written by Hu Qi Feng
Pediatrics
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Caused by infantile intussusception

Intussusception is divided into primary and secondary types, with 95% being primary cases, most commonly seen in infants and young children. This is due to the fact that the mesentery of the ileocecal part in infants and young children is not yet fully fixed and has a greater degree of mobility, which are structural factors that facilitate the occurrence of intussusception. The remaining 5% are secondary cases generally occurring in older children, where the affected intestines often have a clear organic cause, such as a Meckel's diverticulum turning into the ileal lumen, serving as the starting point for intussusception. Other causes like intestinal polyps, tumors, duplications, or abdominal purpura can cause the intestinal wall to swell and thicken, which can also trigger intussusception.

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Written by He Zong Quan
General Surgery
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Can intussusception pass gas?

Intussusception should be considered when the patient shows symptoms of intestinal obstruction, namely pain, vomiting, distension, and paralysis, along with cessation of gas and stool passing through the anus. In the early stages of intussusception, there may be a small amount of gas and stool passage, but the presence of intussusception should not be overlooked, and imaging studies can be performed for confirmation. If there is a fluid level in the intestinal lumen and clear signs of intestinal obstruction, and if the patient can feel a distinct mass in the abdomen, which on imaging shows concentric ring-like changes, intussusception should be considered. Once diagnosed, timely treatment is essential, thus treatment should not be delayed until there is an absence of stool and gas passage.

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Written by Sun Ming
General Surgery
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Can intussusception in the elderly be cured?

Intussusception in the elderly rarely heals on its own, and the likelihood of recovery without treatment is very small. This is because the causes of intestinal issues in the elderly are primarily benign, often due to cirrhosis or other reasons. Furthermore, intussusception may also occur due to tumors, which generally require surgical treatment. It is advised that if diagnosed with intussusception, it is best to undergo surgical treatment at a hospital to prevent recurrence. If it is due to a tumor, there is a risk of it becoming malignant and metastasizing.

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Written by Hu Qi Feng
Pediatrics
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How to treat intussusception in infants

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.