Intussusception in the Neonate: A Case Study

Intussusception is the most common cause of intestinal obstruction in infants and toddlers; however, it is a rare entity in neonates. During intussusception, a proximal portion of the bowel pushes inside the adjacent, distal segment of the bowel in a telescoping fashion leading to obstruction, strangulation of the mesentery, ischemia, and necrosis. The etiology of intussusception is often unknown and there are currently no preventive techniques. Intussusception often mimics other common disease processes affecting neonates; this can result in detrimental delays in diagnosis and treatment. Intussusception is considered a surgical emergency and a delay in treatment results in significant morbidity and mortality. With proper education on this rare complication, neonatal nurses play a vital role in early diagnosis. To improve the care of neonates affected, it is imperative that intussusception remain a differential diagnosis for clinicians.