Intussusception is usually seen in children 8–12 months of age | Surgery videos & books

Intussusception is usually seen in children 8–12 months of age. They present with paroxysmal, crampy abdominal pain, and sometimes emesis. “Currant-jelly” stools are sometimes seen. They usually report a history of GI viral infection in the recent past. Enlarged Peyer’s patches are usually the lead point of the intussusception. Polyps, tumors, and Meckel’s diverticulum are less frequent causes. On examination, these children may have a mass in the epigastrium or right upper quadrant with an absence of intestine in the right lower quadrant. This is referred to as “Dance’s sign.” The diagnostic tool of choice is air contrast enema. This is also therapeutic in 60–90% of cases. If the intussusception cannot be reduced by the enema, laparotomy is required to prevent bowel ischemia. Compromised bowel is resected at that time. Only 5% of children have a recurrence after successful reduction.