Intussusception

Overview

A condition in which one segment of intestine telescopes into an adjacent segment, most often at the ileocecal junction. It occurs mainly in infants aged two to 36 months and is rare in adults.

Symptoms

• Paroxysmal abdominal pain
• Vomiting
• Currant-jelly stools
• Abdominal mass
• Restlessness and crying

Treatment

Common in infants; early cases can be reduced by air or hydrostatic enema, with surgery when reduction fails or necrosis occurs. Specialist evaluation is required.

Dietary advice

During recovery, progress from a liquid diet to an easily digestible diet in small frequent meals, avoiding raw and cold foods.