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Published on: March 5, 2018
Neglected intussusception presenting as transanal prolapse of small bowel
Amit Ray1, Kartik Chandra Mandal, Ram Mohan Shukla
1Department of Pediatric Surgery, Nil Ratan Sircar Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, India.
Insights
Transanal intussusception in infants, though rare, is often misdiagnosed as rectal prolapse, leading to treatment delays. This condition can cause significant morbidity and mortality if not promptly identified and managed.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Gastroenterology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Transanal intussusception is a rare condition in infants.
- It is frequently misdiagnosed as rectal prolapse, complicating timely intervention.
- Delayed diagnosis is associated with increased morbidity and mortality.
Observation:
- A 9-month-old boy presented with symptoms suggestive of rectal prolapse.
- Clinical examination revealed a prolapsing mass that mimicked rectal prolapse.
Findings:
- The prolapsing mass was identified as small bowel intussusception.
- This case underscores the diagnostic challenges in differentiating intussusception from rectal prolapse.
Implications:
- Early recognition and accurate diagnosis of transanal intussusception are crucial for preventing complications.
- Increased awareness among clinicians can improve patient outcomes and reduce associated risks.
- Further research into diagnostic modalities may aid in distinguishing these conditions.
Abstract:
Although transanal prolapse of intussusception in infants is well recognized, it is rarely reported and confusion with rectal prolapse often results in delayed diagnosis and treatment. This report highlights the problems of delayed diagnosis and the morbidity and mortality associated with this condition. The authors report a case of 9 mo old boy who presented with prolapsing small bowel mimicking rectal prolapse.
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