Intussusception
Intussusception Treatment for Children in Kuala Lumpur & Selangor
Intussusception is an acute condition in which one part of the intestine slides into another part, causing a blockage in the bowel. It can affect babies and young children and may require urgent medical assessment because the condition can affect the blood supply to the intestine if not treated promptly.
Dr Nada Sudhakaran is a Consultant Paediatric Surgeon & Urologist with a special interest in laparoscopic or keyhole surgery. He provides paediatric surgical assessment and care for selected conditions in Kuala Lumpur and Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia. Intussusception can be an emergency. A child with severe or repeated abdominal pain, vomiting, unusual sleepiness, abdominal swelling, blood or mucus in the stool, or other concerning symptoms should receive urgent medical assessment. Parents should not delay emergency care while waiting for a routine consultation.
What Is Intussusception?
Intussusception occurs when one section of the intestine moves into an adjoining section. This can cause bowel obstruction and may affect the blood supply to the affected part of the intestine.
It commonly occurs in infants and young children. Symptoms can develop suddenly and may vary from one child to another.
Signs and Symptoms of Intussusception
Children with intussusception may have episodes of abdominal pain that cause them to cry, become unsettled or draw their knees towards their chest. The pain may come and go.
Other symptoms may include vomiting, reduced feeding, abdominal swelling, unusual sleepiness or changes in bowel movements. Blood or mucus may also appear in the stool.
Not every child will have all of these symptoms, and similar symptoms can occur with other childhood conditions.
How Is Intussusception Diagnosed?
Diagnosis starts with a medical history and physical examination. The doctor will consider the child’s symptoms, age, general condition and abdominal findings.
An ultrasound scan is commonly used to assess the intestine and help identify intussusception. A contrast enema or other investigations may also be considered depending on the child’s condition and clinical findings. Early assessment is important because prolonged obstruction can affect the blood supply to the intestine.
Treatment for Intussusception in Children
Treatment depends on the child’s condition, the severity of the obstruction and whether there are signs of complications. Enema reduction is commonly used as the initial treatment when it is clinically appropriate. During the procedure, air, saline or another suitable contrast medium may be introduced into the bowel to help move the affected section of intestine back into its normal position.
The child is monitored during and after the procedure. Supportive care, such as intravenous fluids and pain medication, may be required depending on the child’s condition. If the intestine cannot be reduced by enema, or if there are concerns about the bowel, surgical treatment may be required.
When Is Surgery Needed?
Surgery may be considered when enema reduction is unsuccessful or when the child’s condition indicates that an operation is required. The decision is based on the child’s overall condition, examination findings, imaging results, response to treatment and any complications affecting the intestine. The paediatric surgical team will determine the most appropriate surgical approach for the individual child.
Laparoscopic Reduction for Intussusception
Laparoscopic reduction is a keyhole surgical procedure that uses a camera and surgical instruments through small openings in the abdomen. When an operation is required after unsuccessful enema reduction, laparoscopic reduction may be considered when it is clinically appropriate. The suitability of laparoscopic surgery depends on the child’s condition and the findings during assessment. Laparoscopic surgery is not suitable for every child or every situation. An open operation may be required depending on the condition of the bowel and other surgical findings.
Recovery and Follow-Up
Recovery depends on the child’s age, general health, severity of intussusception and the treatment required. Recovery following an uncomplicated reduction may differ from recovery after surgery or treatment for bowel complications. The medical team may monitor the child’s feeding, bowel function, abdominal symptoms and general condition before discharge. Follow-up may be recommended depending on the treatment provided. Parents should follow the medical team’s instructions and seek further medical assessment if symptoms return or become worse.
Possible Complications
Intussusception can cause bowel obstruction and may affect the blood supply to the intestine. If treatment is delayed, the affected bowel can become damaged. Treatment and surgery also have risks, which vary according to the child’s condition and the procedure required. The paediatric surgical team will discuss relevant risks and treatment options with the parents or guardians.
Paediatric Surgical Assessment for Intussusception
Intussusception requires individual assessment because abdominal pain, vomiting and changes in bowel movements can have several possible causes. Assessment may include a physical examination, ultrasound and other investigations when required. Depending on the findings, treatment may involve supportive care, enema reduction or surgery. The treatment approach is selected according to the child’s clinical condition and response to treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Intussusception
Intussusception can require urgent medical assessment because it can cause bowel obstruction and affect the blood supply to the intestine.
When clinically appropriate, enema reduction is commonly used as the initial treatment. Air, saline or another suitable medium may be used depending on the circumstances.
If enema reduction is unsuccessful, surgery may be considered. Laparoscopic reduction may be an option when clinically appropriate.
No. The suitability of laparoscopic surgery depends on the child's condition, the findings during assessment and the condition of the intestine. An open operation may sometimes be required.
Symptoms may include repeated episodes of abdominal pain, vomiting, reduced feeding, abdominal swelling, unusual sleepiness and changes in bowel movements. Blood or mucus may also occur in the stool.
Intussusception can recur in some children. If symptoms return after treatment, the child should receive medical assessment.
Intussusception Treatment in Malaysia
For information about intussusception treatment for children, parents may contact Dr Nada Sudhakaran’s practice in Kuala Lumpur or Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia. If a child has symptoms that may indicate an acute emergency, seek immediate medical attention through an appropriate emergency service rather than waiting for a routine consultation. For information about intussusception treatment for children and paediatric surgical assessment, parents may contact Dr Nada Sudhakaran’s practice.