Intussusception – children

Intussusception is caused by part of the intestine being pulled inward into itself.

When this happens, the pressure created by the walls of the intestine pressing together causes:

• Decreased blood flow
• Irritation
• Swelling

Intussusception can block the passage of food through the intestine. If the blood supply is cut off, the segment of intestine pulled inside can die. Heavy bleeding may also occur. If a hole develops, infection, shock, and dehydration can take place very rapidly.

The cause of intussusception is not known. Conditions that may lead to the problem include:

• Viral infection
• Enlarged lymph node in the intestine
• Polyp or tumor in the bowel

Intussusception can affect both children and adults. It is more common in boys. It usually affects children ages 5 months to 3 years.

The first sign of intussusception is very often sudden, loud crying caused by abdominal pain. The pain is colicky and intermittent, and it comes back often. The pain will get stronger and last longer each time it returns.

An infant with severe abdominal pain may draw the knees to the chest while crying.

Other symptoms include:

• Bloody, mucus-like bowel movement, sometimes called a "currant jelly" stool
• Fever
• Shock (pale color, lethargy, sweating)
• Stool mixed with blood and mucus
• Vomiting

Your child's health care provider will perform a thorough exam, which may reveal a mass in the abdomen. There may also be signs of dehydration or shock.

Tests may include:

• Abdominal ultrasound
• Abdominal x-ray
• Air or contrast enema

The child will first be stabilized. A tube will be passed into the stomach through the nose (nasogastric tube). An intravenous (IV) line will be placed in the arm, and fluids will be given to prevent dehydration.

In some cases, the bowel blockage can be treated with an air or contrast enema. This is done by a radiologist skilled with the procedure. There is a risk of bowel tearing (perforation) with this procedure.

The child will need surgery if these treatments do not work. The bowel tissue can very often be saved. Dead tissue will be removed.

Antibiotics may be needed to treat any infection.

Intravenous feeding and fluids will be continued until the child has a normal bowel movement.

The outcome is good with early treatment. There is a risk this problem will come back.

When a hole or tear in the bowel occurs, it must be treated right away. If not treated, intussusception is almost always fatal for infants and young children.

Intussusception is a medical emergency. Call 911 or the local emergency number, or go to the emergency room right away.

Abdominal pain in children - intussusception

Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, et al. Ileus, adhesions, intussusception, and closed-loop obstructions. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, et al, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 379.

Levy BE, Encisco E, Ponsky T, Huntington JT. Intussusception in infants and children. In: Wyllie R, Hyams JS, Kay M, eds. Pediatric Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2026:chap 51.

Maloney PJ. Pediatric gastrointestinal disorders. In: Walls RM, ed. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 166.

Onwuka E, Nwomeh B. Surgical conditions of the small intestine in infants and children. In: Ahmad SA, Pryor AD, eds. Shackelford's Surgery of the Alimentary Tract. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2026:chap 84.

Updated by: Charles I. Schwartz, MD, FAAP, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Regional Medical Director of Penn Medicine Primary and Specialty Care, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, General Pediatrician at PennCare for Kids, Phoenixville, PA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.