What are the symptoms of intussusception in children?

Written by Gong Hui
Pediatrics
Updated on May 12, 2025
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Intussusception in children is the most common cause of intestinal obstruction in infants and toddlers, often seen in children aged four to ten months. The main clinical manifestations of pediatric intussusception are paroxysmal abdominal pain. Infants typically exhibit episodes of crying and fussiness, with pale complexion, cyanosis, and frequent vomiting. Prolonged intussusception may result in the passage of bloody stools, resembling jam. In these cases, it is imperative to seek medical attention at a hospital. During a physical examination, doctors can feel an abdominal mass. An abdominal ultrasound can be performed, where a circular mass may be visible, confirming the diagnosis. After diagnosis, pediatric intussusception requires surgical treatment. If the intussusception has not persisted for long, an air enema can be performed. If the intussusception has lasted longer and the general condition is poor, surgical intervention may be needed under aggressive treatment.

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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.

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Written by Quan Xiang Mei
Pediatrics
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Does intussusception cause diarrhea?

Intussusception is a common surgical condition in infants and young children, characterized primarily by symptoms such as abdominal pain, crying, abdominal distension, the passage of jelly-like stools, and vomiting. Some children may also experience diarrhea and frequent passage of jelly-like stools, where the symptoms of intussusception may not be particularly noticeable, leading parents to possibly overlook them. Therefore, if a child has diarrhea accompanied by jelly-like stools, it is crucial to take the child to the hospital for a consultation and an ultrasound to confirm whether it is caused by intussusception. If left untreated for a long time, it can lead to ischemic necrosis of the intestinal mucosa, necessitating surgical treatment.

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Written by Hu Qi Feng
Pediatrics
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Does infant intussusception require surgery?

Intussusception lasting between forty-eight and seventy-two hours, or if the duration is shorter but the condition is severe, including cases with intestinal necrosis or perforation, as well as those involving small intestine type intussusception, all require surgical treatment. Depending on the overall condition of the child and the pathological changes in the intussuscepted bowel, options include reduction of intussusception, intestinal resection and anastomosis, or enterostomy, etc.

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Written by Hu Qi Feng
Pediatrics
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Can infantile intussusception heal by itself?

Once intestinal intussusception occurs, only a small portion of small bowel intussusception can reduce spontaneously, becoming temporary small bowel intussusception, while intussusception involving the colon or repeated intussusception generally cannot reduce on its own. Due to the continuous spasm of the sheathed intestine, circulatory disturbances occur in the intussuscepted segment, initially impeding venous return, causing tissue congestion and edema, varicose veins, and mucous cells secreting large amounts of mucus into the intestinal lumen. This results in a jam-like gelatinous discharge mixed with blood and fecal matter. The bowel wall swells, worsening the obstruction of venous return, affecting the arteries, leading to insufficient blood supply, causing necrosis of the intestinal wall, and systemic toxicity symptoms. In severe cases, this can lead to intestinal perforation and peritonitis. Treatment generally involves air or barium enema or surgical methods.

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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.