This occurs when a piece of, usually small, bowel invaginates into itself. This invagination may cause strangulation that leads to gangrene formation in the affected portion of the bowel.
Clinical Features
- There is onset of acute abdominal pain sometimes associated with red currant jelly stools.
- Clinical examination reveals a mass of the interssuceptus in the right hypochondrium.
Investigation
- Plain abdominal radiograph may show evidence of obstruction but misses still in identifying intussusceptions in early disease.
- Ultrasound gives better detection rates.
- Stabilize the patient adequately.
- Enema in the radiology unit may be attempted. Ensure that bowel gangrene has not set in.
- Definitive management.