Is adult intussusception serious?

Mar 14, 2022 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhang Mingping

Introduction

Intussusception is a relatively urgent surgical condition requiring prompt treatment. Delayed treatment may lead to ischemia of the affected intestinal segment, potentially progressing to necrosis. Severe cases can result in intra-abdominal organ infection, peritonitis, intestinal perforation, and even systemic infection.

Intussusception refers to a condition in which a segment of the intestine telescopes into the adjacent intestinal lumen, thereby obstructing the passage of intestinal contents. Intussusception accounts for 15%–20% of all cases of intestinal obstruction. So, how serious is intussusception in adults? The following addresses this question.

How serious is intussusception in adults?

Intussusception is a relatively urgent surgical condition requiring prompt treatment. Delayed intervention may lead to ischemia—and even necrosis—of the affected intestinal segment. In severe cases, it can result in intra-abdominal organ infection, peritonitis, intestinal perforation, and systemic infection.

Intussusception in adults is an especially critical and time-sensitive condition necessitating immediate medical evaluation and management. Non-surgical approaches (e.g., air or contrast enema reduction) may be attempted initially, depending on clinical presentation and imaging findings; if successful, full recovery is generally expected. However, if symptoms are severe—or if non-surgical reduction fails—surgical intervention becomes essential to prevent complications such as bowel necrosis or perforation.

Intussusception is relatively rare in adults and typically occurs in elderly individuals with poor general health, significant gastrointestinal motility disorders, or prolonged immobility. Clinical manifestations in adults often include marked bowel habit changes—such as constipation or inability to defecate spontaneously—palpable abdominal mass, and prominent abdominal pain, all warranting urgent medical evaluation.

The above outlines the seriousness of adult intussusception. We hope this information is helpful to you.

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What is the cause of intussusception?

In general, intussusception may be caused by abnormal intestinal peristalsis, the anatomical structure of the ileocecal region in infants and young children, rotavirus infection, acute appendicitis, Meckel's diverticulum, etc. Treatment options include general supportive measures and medication. It is important to maintain a balanced diet, avoid irritating foods, and keep emotions stable in daily life to reduce the risk of intussusception.

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Can intramural intussusception be cured with conservative treatment?

If the rectal mucosal prolapse is mild, it can usually be cured through conservative treatment. However, if the condition is severe, conservative treatment may not achieve a curative effect. Patients with rectal mucosal prolapse are advised to receive treatment under the guidance of a qualified physician, and the most appropriate treatment plan should be selected based on individual circumstances.

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Dietary Guidelines for Children After Intussusception

After successful non-surgical treatment of intussusception in children, in addition to routine daily care, special attention should be paid to dietary management. The diet should consist of easily digestible, light yet nutritionally rich foods—such as egg custard, well-cooked rice porridge, soft noodles, milk, and apples. Avoid excessively cold or hot foods, and avoid high-fiber foods.

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What precautions should be taken after a baby undergoes enema reduction for intussusception?

1. Monitor for recurrent symptoms of intussusception after enema reduction, including paroxysmal abdominal pain and distension, vomiting, absence of flatus, or passage of bloody stool. 2. After enema reduction, observe for the return of anal flatus and passage of bloody stool. 3. Administer activated charcoal tablets, maintain complete fasting, and observe for 6–8 hours. Specifically, monitor for the passage of black stools; if no black stools appear, further evaluation is warranted. 4. Ensure adequate abdominal warmth and maintain regular dietary habits.

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Do patients with intussusception pass stool?

After developing intussusception, a child may still pass stool. Diarrhea may occur; however, in most cases of intussusception, the stool appears as “currant jelly” stool. This is often accompanied by sudden, severe vomiting. Additionally, some patients may not experience diarrhea at all—only one or two bowel movements may occur during the early stage of intussusception.

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What precautions should be taken after a baby undergoes intussusception surgery?

Symptoms that may appear after a child develops intussusception include abdominal pain and diarrhea, along with passage of “currant jelly” stool—stool mixed with blood and mucus. Palpation of the right lower abdomen (the ileocecal region) may reveal a slightly palpable abdominal mass. Once parents observe any of the above symptoms in their child, they should immediately stop feeding and giving fluids to the child and promptly take the child to a hospital for evaluation and treatment.

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Treatment of Rectal Intussusception

Treatment options for internal rectal intussusception include adjusting diet, improving bowel habits, medication-assisted therapy, rectal mucosal injection therapy, and surgical correction. The appropriate approach should be selected based on the severity of the condition. If symptoms such as worsening defecation difficulty, rectal bleeding, or abdominal pain occur, prompt medical attention is recommended. Increasing dietary fiber intake—such as consuming more celery, oats, apples, etc.—is also advised.

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What are the hazards of intussusception?

In general, intussusception, an acute condition in which a segment of the intestine telescopes into an adjacent segment, primarily poses risks including intestinal obstruction, intestinal ischemia and necrosis, gastrointestinal bleeding, peritoneal infection, and impaired nutrient absorption. Patients should receive prompt standardized treatment. After treatment, attention should be paid to dietary adjustment, with easily digestible foods recommended and strenuous activities avoided.

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