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Intussusception is suspected if the child has experienced sudden, severe abdominal pain, blood and mucous in the stool, and vomiting. Abdominal X-rays are usually taken to confirm the diagnosis. A barium enema may be used for diagnosis. Barium, a heavy, radio-opaque dye, is administered through the rectum, fills the bowel, and allows for visualization of the bowel by x-rays. This procedure is sometimes successful in correcting the problem - the weight of the barium itself in the bowel frequently reduces the telescoped bowel. If intussusception is diagnosed and not corrected by barium enema, surgery is necessary IMMEDIATELY to prevent complications such as obstruction, gangrenous bowel and peritonitis.
Review Date 3/31/2024
Updated by: Debra G. Wechter, MD, FACS, General Surgery Practice Specializing in Breast Cancer, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
