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'''Intussusception''' is the invagination of one portion of the gastrointestinal tract into the lumen of the adjacent portion.  The intussusceptum is the invaginated segment and the intussuscipien is the enveloping segment.

'''Intussusception''' is the invagination of one portion of the gastrointestinal tract into the lumen of the adjacent portion.  The intussusceptum is the invaginated segment and the intussuscipien is the enveloping segment.

    

    

Intussusception results from abnormal peristalsis. Vigorous contractions force a segment of intestine to teloscope into the lumen of a more relaxed adjacent segment. A normograde intussusception is most common, but retrograde intussusception has also been reported.   

Intussusception results from abnormal peristalsis. Vigorous contractions force a segment of intestine to teloscope into the lumen of a more relaxed adjacent segment. A normograde intussusception is most common, but retrograde intussusception has also been reported.   

Intussusceptions can be classified according to their location in the gastrointestinal tract. They usually occur in regions where there is a significant change in lumen diameter, such as ileocolic and gastroesphageal junctions. Ileocolic intussusceptions are most common, they frequently protrude from the rectum and must be distinguished from a rectal prolapse. In the case of an intussusception, it is possible to pass a probe next to the anus, but not in [[Rectal Prolapse|rectal proplapse]].

Intussusceptions can be classified according to their location in the gastrointestinal tract. They usually occur in regions where there is a significant change in lumen diameter, such as ileocolic and gastroesphageal junctions. Ileocolic intussusceptions are most common, they frequently protrude from the rectum and must be distinguished from a rectal prolapse. In the case of an intussusception, it is possible to pass a probe next to the anus, but not in [[Rectal Prolapse|rectal proplapse]].

*Weight loss

*Weight loss

===Diagnostic Imaging===

===Radiography===

Plain abdominal radiographs do not always provide a definitive diagnosis. In cases of complete obstruction distented loops of intestine and a tubular soft tissue mass are usually obvious, but a partial obstruction will produce much more subtle signs which may be missed.

Plain abdominal radiographs do not always provide a definitive diagnosis. In cases of complete obstruction distented loops of intestine and a tubular soft tissue mass are usually obvious, but a partial obstruction will produce much more subtle signs which may be missed.

A barium enema or upper gastrointestinal contrast study can be useful in identifying the site of obstruction but may result in delay of treatment and should be used with care as leakage of contrast into the abdominal cavity will result in peritonitis.  

A barium enema or upper gastrointestinal contrast study can be useful in identifying the site of obstruction but may result in delay of treatment and should be used with care as leakage of contrast into the abdominal cavity will result in peritonitis.  

Abdominal ultrasound will reveal a cylindrical mass with layering of the intestinal wall. On a transverse section, a hyperechoic target mass in the centre with multiple hyperechoic and hypoechoic concentric ring is seen.  On a longitudinal section, multiple hyperechoic and hypoechoic lines are seen.  The intestines may also be hypomotile and the intestine proximal to the obstruction may be distented with fluid.  

Abdominal ultrasound will reveal a cylindrical mass with layering of the intestinal wall. On a transverse section, a hyperechoic target mass in the centre with multiple hyperechoic and hypoechoic concentric ring is seen.  On a longitudinal section, multiple hyperechoic and hypoechoic lines are seen.  The intestines may also be hypomotile and the intestine proximal to the obstruction may be distented with fluid.  

Colonoscopy can identify ileocolic or caecocolic intussusception. Oesopgagoscopy can reveal a gastroesophageal intussusception, a soft tissue mass is visible in the lumen of the oesophagus.

Colonoscopy can identify ileocolic or caecocolic intussusception. Oesopgagoscopy can reveal a gastroesophageal intussusception, a soft tissue mass is visible in the lumen of the oesophagus.