A condition in
which one part of the intestine becomes pushed or telescoped into the
adjoining portion.
It
occurs mainly in infants
under one year and
usually starts at the
lower end of the ileum. It may result when overactive wave contractions (peristalsis) of the intestine
drive a segment of the bowel inside the
adjacent segment. Further peristaltic
movements may aggravate the
condition so that more of the intestine becomes involved. The sudden intestinal
obstruction causes severe abdominal pain. The infant has
attacks of screaming and
draws up its legs. The face becomes very pale when the pain is most intense and
brightens in the intervals
between spasms. Vomiting starts
early and is severe and repeated. After the
first bowel movement, the
infant passes only red jelly-like clots of pure
blood and mucus from the bowel.
Examination of the abdomen by the doctor usually reveals a sausage-like mass.
Prompt surgical treatment is
necessary to pull the
telescoped portion of the
intestine back to its
normal position. If the
intestine is gangrenous, as
happens in some cases,
surgical removal of the
affected part is necessary.