What tests need to be done for intussusception?

Written by Quan Xiang Mei
Pediatrics
Updated on December 25, 2024
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Intussusception is a common surgical disease in infants and young children, characterized clinically by crying, abdominal pain, abdominal distention, the passage of jelly-like stools, and vomiting. Auxiliary examinations for this condition primarily involve abdominal ultrasonography, though occasionally an abdominal X-ray can be performed. If a child experiences intussusception, treatment can vary depending on the severity; mild cases might be treated with an air enema. However, if the symptoms of intussusception are severe and prolonged, leading to ischemic necrosis of the intestines, surgical intervention is definitely required. In summary, the examination for intussusception primarily involves abdominal ultrasonography.

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Written by He Zong Quan
General Surgery
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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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Written by Gong Hui
Pediatrics
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What are the symptoms of intussusception in children?

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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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 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 Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
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Pediatric intussusception should see which department?

Pediatric intussusception is a surgical condition, so it is of course treated by pediatric surgery. When a child shows persistent crying and abdominal pain, along with bloody stools, there is a high suspicion of intussusception, and they should see a pediatric surgeon. A professional pediatric surgeon will conduct a comprehensive physical examination of the child. If intussusception is suspected, an air enema should be performed under the guidance of X-ray imaging. Once intussusception is confirmed, conservative treatment is initially attempted. If conservative treatment fails, surgical treatment is required. Therefore, based on the above, pediatric intussusception definitely requires consultation with pediatric surgery.