Intussusception

An intussusception is a medical condition in which a part of the small intestine has in-vaginated into another section of intestine, similar to the way in which the parts of a collapsible telescope slide into one another. This can often result in an obstruction. The part that prolapses into the other is called the intussusceptum, and the part that receives it is called the intussuscipiens. Early symptoms can include nausea, vomiting - sometimes b... more

An intussusception is a medical condition in which a part of the small intestine has in-vaginated into another section of intestine, similar to the way in which the parts of a collapsible telescope slide into one another. This can often result in an obstruction. The part that prolapses into the other is called the intussusceptum, and the part that receives it is called the intussuscipiens. Early symptoms can include nausea, vomiting - sometimes bile stained (green colour), pulling legs to the chest area, and intermittent moderate to severe cramping abdominal pain. Later signs include rectal bleeding, often with 'red currant jelly' stool (stool mixed with blood and mucus), and lethargy. Physical examination may reveal a 'sausage-shaped' mass felt upon palpation of the abdomen. In children or those too young to communicate their symptoms verbally, they may cry, draw their knees up to their chest or experience dyspnea (difficult or painful breathing) with paroxysms of pain. Fever is not... less