Question
My colleague’s child has been diagnosed with intussusception. What is this condition? What are the treatment methods? Will it cost a lot of money to treat this disease?
Answer
Intussusception is a common abdominal emergency in infants. It refers to a situation where part of the intestine folds into itself, resembling a telescope. Intussusception typically occurs in infants between 5 months and 1.5 years old, with 80% of cases happening before the age of 1, particularly between 5 and 9 months. Boys are more prone to intussusception than girls. Some cases of recurrence may be associated with the prevalence of certain viruses. Intussusception can lead to compression of blood vessels, causing venous and lymphatic stasis, swelling of the intestinal wall, and even bleeding. If the intussusception becomes more severe, the artery in the intestinal wall may also be blocked, which could result in necrosis and rupture of the intestine, leading to peritonitis. About 90% of intussusceptions have no apparent cause, but they may be related to factors such as diarrhea, constipation, medication use, respiratory infections, gastrointestinal hypersensitivity, and increased colonic peristalsis. Treatment for intussusception usually requires surgical intervention. Surgery can be performed to release the folded segments of the intestine and restore normal intestinal function. The surgical approach depends on the specific situation and may involve the removal of necrotic segments or reconstruction of the intestine. The cost of treating intussusception can vary and is dependent on the hospital, doctor, and complexity of the surgery. You can consult with your doctor for detailed information regarding costs. Note: The information provided above is for reference only. Specific diagnoses and treatment plans should be determined by professional medical personnel based on actual circumstances.