Question
Based on the doctor’s advice, the child has undergone a lower gastrointestinal contrast study and enema examination, which shows that the ileocecal intestine is long and twisted with poor defecation function. How should this situation be handled?
Answer
If the ileocecal intestine is congenitally too long, prolapsed, and forms a sharp angle with the rectum, it may lead to gradual excessive peristalsis in the ileocecal intestine, which could cause fatigue damage over time. If the ileocecal pouch disappears, it can be initially determined that its peristaltic function has been lost. Patients can often perform chest-knee exercises to enhance mesenteric tension, reduce angulation, and help with defecation. In severe cases, partial resection surgery can be considered. The twisted ileocecal intestine can be confirmed through X-ray defecation contrast and barium enema. Some cases of ileocecal twist involve one, two, or even up to four circles, which increases defecation resistance due to forceful straining.