Intussusception Admission Information and Discharge Instructions

What is intussusception?

Intussusception happens when one part of the intestine folds into itself, like a collapsing telescope. This telescoping can block and put pressure on the intestine. Intussusception is most common between 3 months and 2 years of age, but can occur at any age.

What is the cause?

The exact cause of intussusception is not known. It sometimes happens when a child has a cold or other viral illness associated with swollen glands in the abdomen. There are glands located in the wall of the intestine and swelling of these glands can cause the bowel to telescope.

When the bowel telescopes, there is less blood flow to the intestine because it is under increased pressure. The decreased blood flow causes pain and sometimes bloody stools. The intestine can also become blocked, which can cause the child to vomit.

Why was my child admitted to the hospital?

Main complication: ________________________________________.

__ Needs IV fluids.

__ Needs IV antibiotic or other medication.

__ Recovery from surgery.

__ Other reasons. _________________________________________.

What is the treatment?

• Rehydration

  Due to lost fluid from vomiting your child will need fluids intravenously (through a vein). Your child may need a tube put in the nose that goes down into the stomach to help stop vomiting.

• Pain Control

  Your healthcare provider may give pain medicine to make your child more comfortable.

• Air or contrast enema

  The goal of an air or contrast enema is putting your child's intestines back in the right place. This special enema shows the radiology doctor where the blockage is and fixes it at the same time.

  During the enema a small tube is put in your child's rectum. Air or other contrast is gently puffed into the small tube while X-rays are taken. The x-rays show the radiologist where the intestine is blocked and lets the gently puffed air or contrast softly push the intestine back where it belongs.

  The enema should take less than 15 minutes. It is not painful, but there may be some cramping pain. If the enema is successful, your child is cured. Fluids will be given to make sure there is no more vomiting.

• Surgery

  If the enema can't fix the intussusception, or if your child is very sick, surgery may be needed. During the operation the surgeon will gently unfold the telescoped bowel and put it back in its normal place. There is a small risk that a piece of the intestine may need to be removed during surgery.

What are the requirements for discharge?

• _______________________________________________________
• _______________________________________________________
• _______________________________________________________

How can I take care of my child?

• No restrictions

  Once your child has been treated and discharged, there is no further pain and nothing special to do at home. Your child should eat, drink, act and play normally. Rarely, intussusception can happen again. If it does, it is usually within 48 hours, so it is important to watch your child carefully to see if symptoms come back.

• Additional instructions

  ____________________________________________________________

  ____________________________________________________________

  ____________________________________________________________

  ____________________________________________________________

  ____________________________________________________________

When should my child be seen again?

___ Your child needs to be rechecked and has an appointment on _____________ at _______ with _________________________.

___ Your child needs to be rechecked in ________ days. Call your child's healthcare provider to make an appointment.

___ A follow-up appointment is not necessary. Call your healthcare provider if you have any concerns.

When should I call my child's healthcare provider?

Call IMMEDIATELY if your child:

• Your child begins to have abdominal pain that comes and goes.
• Your child vomits.
• Your child becomes very sluggish.
• Your child has bloody stools.
• Your child looks or acts very sick.

Call during office hours if:

• You have other questions or concerns.

Written by Robert Brayden, MD, Associate Professor of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine.
Published by RelayHealth.
© 2009 RelayHealth and/or its affiliates. All Rights Reserved.