Abdomen and bowel · emergency
Intestinal intussusception in children
A condition in which one segment of the bowel slides into the adjacent part of the intestine.
Intestinal intussusception
Intestinal intussusception in children is a condition in which one segment of the bowel slides into the adjacent part of the intestine, similar to the way parts of a telescope slide into one another.
This telescoping can obstruct the normal passage of intestinal contents and, if not recognised and treated within an appropriate timeframe, may become a serious condition. For this reason, when intestinal intussusception is suspected, urgent medical assessment is important.
Symptoms and signs to look out for
Intestinal intussusception often presents with episodes of abdominal pain that alternate with moments in which the child appears well.
The child may have sudden episodes of crying, agitation or pain, followed by phases in which they seem to feel better. Other signs may also appear, including:
Causes or associated factors
In many cases, intestinal intussusception may appear after gastroenteritis or in association with recent bowel symptoms. According to Dr Rapuzzi, gastroenteritis is one of the most common causes.
However, it is not always possible to identify a precise cause. The most important thing for parents is to recognise the warning signs and not wait for the condition to worsen.
When to book a consultation
It is necessary to contact a doctor or go to the emergency department quickly when the child has intermittent episodes of abdominal pain, paleness, vomiting, worsening general condition or stools with blood and mucus.
The passage of “redcurrant jelly stools” is a warning sign that should not be underestimated and requires urgent investigation.
Assessment and diagnosis
Diagnosis is made through medical assessment and abdominal ultrasound.
Ultrasound is the reference examination to confirm suspected intestinal intussusception and makes it possible to visualise the affected segment of bowel.
How it is treated
Treatment depends on the clinical picture and on whether the intussusception can be reduced without surgery.
In many cases, a radiological procedure called a contrast enema may be performed. This can also have a therapeutic function: through the enema, the aim is to reduce the intussuscepted segment of bowel and return it to its correct position.
When surgery is needed and what it involves
Surgery is indicated when the intussusception cannot be reduced with an enema or when the clinical picture does not allow radiological treatment.
In these cases, the surgeon intervenes to manually reduce the intussusception and assess the condition of the involved bowel.
Course, recovery and useful instructions
If the intestinal intussusception is reduced with an enema, observation for approximately 24–48 hours is generally planned, followed by discharge if the course is regular.
If surgery is needed, the hospital stay may last approximately 3 days, unless clinical progress indicates otherwise.
It is important to know that intestinal intussusception may recur. For this reason, after treatment, parents should receive clear guidance on the signs to watch for and when to contact a doctor again.
Parents’ most common questions
Yes. It can obstruct intestinal passage and, if left untreated, may become a serious condition. If intestinal intussusception is suspected, urgent assessment is needed.
Episodes of abdominal pain alternating with moments in which the child appears well, paleness, vomiting or other gastrointestinal symptoms. The appearance of stools with blood and mucus, described as “redcurrant jelly stools”, is an important warning sign.
In many cases, it may appear after gastroenteritis or recent bowel symptoms. However, it is not always possible to identify a precise cause: for this reason, when suspicious symptoms are present, urgent assessment is important.
No. They are a highly suggestive sign, but they are not always present. Parents should not wait for this sign to appear before requesting an assessment if the child has significant episodes of pain or a worsening general condition.
Diagnosis is confirmed with an abdominal ultrasound, after medical assessment.
No. In many cases, reduction with a contrast enema is attempted and may resolve the intussusception without surgery. Surgery is needed when the enema does not reduce the intussusception or when the clinical picture requires it.
Yes, it can recur. After treatment, it is important to follow the guidance received and monitor any new episodes of intermittent pain, paleness, vomiting or blood in the stool.
Note: the information on this website is provided for guidance only and does not replace a specialist medical assessment. In case of acute symptoms, significant pain or a worsening general condition, you should contact a doctor or go to the emergency department.
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