Can intussusception pass gas?

Written by He Zong Quan
General Surgery
Updated on February 16, 2025
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Intussusception should be considered when the patient shows symptoms of intestinal obstruction, namely pain, vomiting, distension, and paralysis, along with cessation of gas and stool passing through the anus. In the early stages of intussusception, there may be a small amount of gas and stool passage, but the presence of intussusception should not be overlooked, and imaging studies can be performed for confirmation. If there is a fluid level in the intestinal lumen and clear signs of intestinal obstruction, and if the patient can feel a distinct mass in the abdomen, which on imaging shows concentric ring-like changes, intussusception should be considered. Once diagnosed, timely treatment is essential, thus treatment should not be delayed until there is an absence of stool and gas passage.

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Written by Hu Qi Feng
Pediatrics
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Does intussusception require a CT scan?

Intussusception is commonly diagnosed through routine abdominal ultrasound examinations, which have a positive rate of over 90%. In the ultrasound, the transverse section of the intussusception can show concentric circles or target ring-shaped mass images, and the longitudinal section may reveal the sleeve sign. Additionally, a barium enema can be employed, along with X-ray imaging. Under X-ray, the lead point of intussusception appears as a mass shadow, and air enema reduction treatment can be performed concurrently. Generally, CT is not used as a routine diagnostic tool.

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Written by Hu Qi Feng
Pediatrics
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What department should I go to for infant intussusception?

Intussusception often occurs in infants and young children, mainly presenting with vomiting, abdominal pain, and bloody stools. The first department usually visited is the emergency pediatrics. If intussusception is confirmed, treatment may involve surgery or non-surgical reduction. Therefore, after confirming intussusception, the patient needs to be transferred to pediatric surgery or general surgery for inpatient treatment.

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Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
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Intussusception: How to Diagnose

Intussusception is one of the most common acute abdominal conditions in infants and toddlers, primarily seen in children under one year old. It refers to the condition where part of the intestine and its mesentery slip into an adjacent intestinal lumen, causing obstruction at the root of the intestine. The diagnosis of intussusception in children is mainly based on clinical symptoms. A previously healthy child may suddenly experience an episode of severe, regular, intermittent colicky pain. The child may appear restless, crying, with knees bent, a reduced amplitude of movement, and a pale complexion, with the abdominal pain easing after 10 to 20 minutes. The child may also vomit and pass bloody stools. Bloody stools are a very important symptom; approximately 85% of cases will pass jelly-like, mucousy bloody stools within 6 to 12 hours of onset, or even if there is no bloody stool visible, rectal examination can reveal its presence. A sausage-shaped mass can be felt in the abdomen. Furthermore, an ultrasound can show a typical image of a concentric circle or target-sign mass. Under ultrasound monitoring, procedures such as air or hydrostatic enema can be performed, which help in the early diagnosis of intussusception.

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Written by Bai Yan Hui
Pediatrics
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Intussusception should visit which department?

Intussusception generally falls under pediatric surgery, but many children arrive at the hospital without a clear self-diagnosis of intussusception; they often come due to abdominal pain. They can visit either the internal medicine department or the surgical department. At this point, the attending physician will conduct a thorough medical history inquiry, such as a standing abdominal radiograph, abdominal ultrasonography, and physical examination, to aid in diagnosis. If a diagnosis confirms the need for surgical intervention, whether it involves air enema or surgery, it is definitely within the scope of the surgical department.

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Written by He Zong Quan
General Surgery
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Can intussusception pass gas?

Intussusception should be considered when the patient shows symptoms of intestinal obstruction, namely pain, vomiting, distension, and paralysis, along with cessation of gas and stool passing through the anus. In the early stages of intussusception, there may be a small amount of gas and stool passage, but the presence of intussusception should not be overlooked, and imaging studies can be performed for confirmation. If there is a fluid level in the intestinal lumen and clear signs of intestinal obstruction, and if the patient can feel a distinct mass in the abdomen, which on imaging shows concentric ring-like changes, intussusception should be considered. Once diagnosed, timely treatment is essential, thus treatment should not be delayed until there is an absence of stool and gas passage.