Can you explain what intussusception is?

Intestine problem: Intussusception refers to the invagination of a part of the intestine into itself. It is a common intestinal emergency in children. Symptoms are usually dramatic with severe abdominal pain, crying and nausea. Can often be treated without surgery, but the later sometimes is necessary. It is a true emergency and should be handled as such.

Telescoping: Intussusception is a telescoping of one segment of intestine into another segment of intestine. Although intussusception can occur any where along the intestine, it is most common at the junction between the small intestine and large intestine (ileocecal junction).

Yes: Intussusception is when the intestine telescopes into the downstream or distal intestine. It is usually the small intestine telescoping into the large intestine. Associated with pain, obstruction, lethargy, and bloody stools.

Telescope: Intuscusseption is a condition whereby the intestine (shaped like a long tube) folds in on itself like an old fashioned sailor's telescope folds up. It is caused by an extra large amount of lymph tissue, tumor, or for unknown reasons, especially after gastric bypass for weight loss. In children it happens more frequently in th large intestine, and can be fixed with a barium enema done carefully.