2009-11-07 21:19:56 -

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Intussusception is a form of bowel obstruction that occurs when the bowel, or intestine, telescopes into itself. It forms a tube within a tube. It can affect all ages and both sexes, however, it is more common in boys, infants and children between 2 months and 6 years.

Causes of Intussusception


The cause of this disorder is unknown. Something causes a loop

of bowel to telescope into itself, which blocks the bowel's blood supply, causing gangrene and peritonitis. The disorder may be caused by a virus infection.

Signs and Symptoms of Intussusception

The most common cause of intestinal obstruction in children between the ages of 3 months and 6 years, intussusception:

* occurs most often in children between 5 and 10 months of age (80% occur before a child is 24 months old)
* affects between one and four infants out of 1,000
* is three to four times more common in boys than in girls

Early stages of intussusceptions include cramping abdominal pain. Infants may cry and bring up their legs up to the abdomen. they may appear pale and sweaty during an attack. Vomiting can occur. Later stages of this disorder are associated with weakness, lethargy, shock and a swollen abdomen. A mass may be felt in the abdomen.

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