About this topic
When the bowel slides inside itself you have an intussusception. It is like the folding of a telescope. The folded parts of the bowel get stuck and rub against each other. This can cause pain. It may also change the blood flow to the bowel. The decreased blood flow may lead to serious health problems. The main cause of intussusception is unknown. � �
An intussusception is an emergency. It needs to be treated right away. Treatment may include drugs, procedures, and surgery. � �
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What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Your doctor may tell you to go on a soft or liquid diet until your bowel movements are stable and ready for regular diet.
- Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water each day.
- If you had surgery, talk to your doctor about how to care for your cut site. Ask your doctor about:
- When you should change your bandages
- When you may take a bath or shower
- If you need to be careful with lifting things over 10 pounds
- When you may go back to your normal activities like work or driving
- Be sure to wash your hands before and after touching your wound or dressing.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- If you have stitches or staples, you will need to have them taken out. Your doctor will often want to do this in 1 to 2 weeks.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: � �
- Help with pain and swelling
- Prevent or fight an infection
Will physical activity be limited?
You may have to limit your activity for a while. Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for you. � �
What problems could happen?
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Hole in the bowel tissue
- Lower blood flow to bowels, causing a part of the bowel tissue to die
- Internal bleeding
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 � �F (38 � �C) or higher, chills, pain with passing urine, wound that will not heal.
- Signs of wound infection. These include swelling, redness, warmth around the wound; too much pain when touched; yellowish, greenish, or bloody discharge; foul smell coming from the cut site; cut site opens up.
- Very bad belly pain
- No bowel movement for 1 to 2 days
- Bloody, mucus-like bowel movement. Sometimes described as "currant jelly " � stool.
- Swelling of the belly
- Throwing up
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: � �
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you how to care for my cut site, if I have one.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have a fever; bad belly pain; throwing up; or bloody, mucus-like stools.
Where can I learn more?
FamilyDoctor.org � �
http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/diseases-conditions/intussusception.printerview.all.html � �
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. � �
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Copyright � � 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. � �