intussusception
Pronunciation: in-tuh-suh-SEP-shun
Telescoping of one segment of bowel into an adjacent segment, causing obstruction and ischaemia; the most common cause of bowel obstruction in infants and toddlers.
Full Definition
Intussusception occurs when a proximal segment of bowel (the intussusceptum) invaginates into the lumen of the adjacent distal segment (the intussuscipiens), most commonly at the ileocaecal junction in children aged six months to three years. In pediatric cases the majority are idiopathic, though a pathological lead point — such as a Meckel diverticulum, polyp, or lymphoma — must be excluded. The classic clinical triad of colicky pain, currant-jelly stools, and a palpable abdominal mass is well known but incomplete in many patients. Editors must be alert to the correct spelling; 'intussusception' (double-s in the middle) is frequently misspelled in manuscripts as 'intussuception' or 'intussception'.
Usage
Usage note: Frequently misspelled; the correct form contains two 's' letters in sequence: 'intus-sus-ception'. Confirm spelling on every pass.
In Context
- "Air-enema reduction was successful in resolving the ileocolic intussusception without surgical intervention." — Radiology procedure report
- "Histological examination of the resected specimen identified a Meckel diverticulum as the lead point for recurrent intussusception." — Surgical pathology report