Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 7, 2026

A Mouse Model of Intestinal Partial Obstruction
Published on: March 5, 2018
Clinico-pathological features of intussusception in children beyond five years old
Wen-Pin Lai1, Yao-Jong Yang, Chao-Neng Cheng
1Department of Pediatrics, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan.
Insights
Intussusception in children over five years old often presents with prolonged symptoms and a higher risk of recurrence and lead points. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial for favorable outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Gastroenterology
- Clinical Pediatrics
Background:
- Intussusception in older children differs in pathoetiology and outcomes compared to younger children.
- This study focuses on intussusception characteristics in children exceeding five years of age.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical features, diagnostic methods, and treatment outcomes of intussusception in children over five years old.
- To highlight the unique aspects of intussusception in this age group.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of patients diagnosed with intussusception between 1988 and 2005.
- Analysis of clinical presentations, diagnostic and treatment modalities, and patient outcomes.
Main Results:
- Twelve cases of intussusception in children aged 5-11.1 years were analyzed.
- Abdominal pain and nausea/vomiting were common symptoms; 33.3% had symptoms >1 week.
- Recurrence occurred in 33%, and lead points (lymphoma, Meckel's, polyp) were identified in 4 cases.
Conclusions:
- Intussusception in older children frequently involves persistent symptoms, lead points, and recurrence.
- Increased awareness of etiology and treatment options for pediatric intussusception is necessary for healthcare providers.
Background:
The pathoetiology and outcomes of intussusception in older children are different from those in young children. This study aims to investigate the characteristics and outcomes of intussusception in children older than 5 years in a tertiary referring hospital.
Methods:
A retrospective review of patients aged older than five years having received a postoperative or roentgenographic diagnosis of intussusception between 1988 and 2005 was conducted. The clinical presentations, diagnostic and treatment methods, and outcomes of all cases were reviewed.
Results:
A total of 12 cases were recorded. They were eight males and four females, with a median age of 7.6 years (range 5.0-11.1 years). Four (33.3%) children had symptoms lasting more than one week before a prompt diagnosis was made. The most commonly encountered symptom was abdominal pain (100%), followed by nausea/vomiting (75.0%). Recurrent intussusception occurred in 33% of cases. Abdominal sonogram identified intussusceptum in all patients when this procedure was performed. Six patients were treated operatively. Lead lesions including two malignant lymphomas, one Meckel diverticulum, and one colon polyp were found in 4 cases. Three of the four lead points were diagnosed and treated by colonoscopy preoperatively. Complications after operations were adhesive ileus (33.3%) and recurrent intussusception (16.7%). All patients remained well, including those who had lead points identified after prompt treatments.
Conclusions:
Intussusception in older children presents a higher frequency of persistent symptoms, lead points, and recurrence. Pediatricians need to be aware of the etiology and treatment options for intussusception in older children.
Related Concept Videos
Intestinal Obstruction I: Introduction
Intestinal Obstruction II: Pathophysiology
Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management
Healthcare providers should gather a comprehensive medical history and conduct a physical examination for diagnosis. If esophageal stricture is...
Irritable Bowel Syndrome II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Evaluation
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is classified into subtypes based on the predominant bowel habits as determined by the Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS). The subtypes are:
Diverticular Disease of the Colon
Assessment of the Rectum and Anus
Rectal Inspection
Begin by inspecting the perianal and anal areas for color, texture, rashes,...
