What are the symptoms of intussusception?

Intussusception is very painful. Symptoms often occur suddenly. They may continue if the bowel gets stuck inside the other part. Or symptoms may go away and come back if part of the bowel keeps sliding in and out of the other part. Symptoms may include:

• Severe belly pain (a baby may cry and not be soothed).

• Belly pain that is sudden and gets worse, then goes away for 15 to 20 minutes, then comes back. These pain episodes become more frequent and more severe over time.

• Vomiting. The vomit may have green bile in it.

• Bloody stools with mucus in them.

• Swelling of the belly.

• Diarrhea.

• Signs of dehydration, such as less urine, dark urine, dry mouth, or no tears when crying.

• Changed mental state as symptoms get worse. The child may be extremely sleepy and slow to respond to you.

How is intussusception diagnosed?

Your child’s doctor will ask about your child’s symptoms and health history. They will give your child a physical exam. Your child may then have imaging tests to help see inside the belly. These may include:

• Abdominal X-ray. 

• CT scan. 

• MRI. 

• Abdominal ultrasound. 

• Fluid or air enema. Either a contrast liquid or air is inserted into the rectum through the anus. This makes the bowel show up very clearly when a special scan is done.

How is intussusception treated?

To treat the problem, a fluid or air enema may be done. The force of the fluid or air entering the bowel can straighten it. Most cases are treated this way.

If the fluid or air enema doesn't work, surgery must be done. During surgery, the slipped portion of the bowel is straightened. If there is any damage to the bowel, that part of the bowel may need to be removed. The healthy ends of the bowel are then reattached.

What are the long-term concerns?

Most children do well after treatment. If part of the bowel must be removed, your child could have long-term digestive problems. But this is very rare. Your child’s doctor will tell you more. Even after it’s treated, intussusception could happen again. You’ll need to watch for symptoms. As your child gets older, intussusception is less likely to happen.

When intussusception goes away and comes back

Intussusception is an emergency if a part of the bowel gets stuck. But the problem can come and go. This means that the bowel slides inside itself, then slides back into correct position. Tests can only see the problem when it is happening. If the bowel has returned to normal position at the time of the test, the doctor can’t diagnose it at that time. If your child has symptoms again, they need to return to the doctor or the emergency room.