What is intussusception?
Intussusception is a rare blockage or twisting of the intestine, which can be life-threatening. One portion of the intestine telescopes into a nearby portion, causing the intestinal obstruction. The most common site is where the small intestine joins the large intestine. Because the two walls of the intestines press against each other, this causes inflammation, swelling, and eventually decreased blood flow. If it is not detected early, internal bleeding, a hole in the intestines and infection in the abdomen may occur because the intestinal tissue has died from the decreased blood flow. With prompt detection and treatment, almost all patients fully recover. Although persons of any age can get intussusception, it is most common among infants in the first year of life and occurs spontaneously in approximately 1 in 2,000 healthy young infants and children per year. For more details on intussusception…
Related Questions
- How many infants in the control group of the rotavirus clinical trials developed a rotavirus infection, regardless of whether they had intussusception or not?
- I have heard the term "intussusception" used, and that it is a risk of PJS. What is it?
- Was intussusception suspected before RotaShield® (rotavirus) vaccine was licensed?
