Intussusception describes the invagination of one portion of bowel into the lumen of the adjacent bowel, most commonly around the ileo-caecal region.

Intussusception usually affects infants between 6-18 months old. Boys are affected twice as often as girls

Intussusception can have a seasonal occurance with viral illness

Classic triad of symptoms: vomitting, bloody stools, abdominal pain

Anatomical lead points for intussusception:

• lymph nodes
• polyps
• appendix

Associated conditions:

• Henoch-scholein purpura
• gastroenteritis
• CF
• lymphoma

PC

• paroxysmal abdominal colic pain
• during paroxysm the infant will characteristically draw their knees up and turn pale
• vomiting