Intussusception | Treatment


How is it treated?

In many cases, intussusception is corrected with an air enema. Your doctor will put air into your child's rectum through a small tube. The air pushes the folded intestine back into place, clearing the blockage. Your doctor may also want to get an X-ray of your child's abdomen to check whether or not the procedure was effective. Antibiotics are usually not needed. Sometimes surgery is necessary to correct intussusception if the intestine doesn't stop collapsing into itself or if the cause of intussusception is a tumor or polyp.

Intussusception is a medical emergency. If your child has symptoms of intussusception, seek medical help right away. When left untreated, intussusception may cause severe complications.

Written by editorial staff

Reviewed/Updated: 03/14
Created: 07/96