Talking about colic is very common in the world of motherhood. After all, who hasn’t spent a sleepless night with their child crying in pain, when nothing seemed to help? Abdominal colic causes great discomfort, making babies pull their legs up in pain, looking for some relief. In most cases, this abdominal pain is caused by air passing through the intestines, which are the well-known gases. When air travels through the intestine, it expands and triggers pain receptors in the brain, which only goes away when it is released through “passing gas.” But intense abdominal pain is not always just colic. Did you know it can be a problem called intestinal intussusception?
Intestinal intussusception1 is an occurrence that is practically unknown among parents, who unfortunately only become aware of the problem when faced with the diagnosis. It is identified as the most frequent cause of intestinal obstruction in babies aged 3 months to 3 years, being more common in boys than in girls. Intestinal intussusception is considered an abnormality of the intestine, as a small part of it begins to be pushed into the inner part, like the finger of a glove turning inside out. As a result, the walls of the intestine become compressed, making it impossible for stool and gases to pass through, and causing intense abdominal pain.
Symptoms of intestinal intussusception include vomiting, a temporary period of calm when the baby seems to have improved, and, in more severe cases, the presence of blood in the stool, which is also described by doctors as ‘strawberry jelly.’ The appearance of this bloody mucus indicates worsening of the condition and should be treated immediately with surgery to prevent intestinal necrosis.
How to Diagnose and Treat Intestinal Intussusception?
Through a nasogastric tube, which is inserted into the intestine through the anus. Water, air, and contrast material are injected through it to return the intestine to its proper place. The entire procedure is controlled and monitored by ultrasound or X-ray. If it is not possible to reverse the intussusception through this procedure, surgical intervention is necessary so that the affected part of the intestine can be removed2.
Unfortunately, there are no ways to prevent intestinal intussusception, as it is an unpredictable condition. The main cause of the disease is the presence of tumors in the walls of the intestine, which end up being pulled in by the intestine’s natural movement. In adulthood, intestinal intussusception is almost nonexistent, occurring in only 1% of cases and, when it does occur, is related to malignant tumors or other pathological alterations. Recovery after surgery to repair intussusception is straightforward. There may be pain and abdominal discomfort due to the procedure, but the specialist will certainly prescribe medication to help relieve discomfort until full healing is achieved.
See Also: Colic in Babies! What to Do?
Photo: TaniaVdb, Dr. Sharon Pruitt
