invaginaatioita

Invaginaatio is a medical term describing the telescoping of one segment of the intestine into another. This condition most commonly affects infants and young children, with the ileum (the final section of the small intestine) often invaginating into the cecum (the beginning of the large intestine). This blockage can obstruct the passage of food and intestinal contents, leading to pain, vomiting, and the presence of blood in the stool, often described as "currant jelly" stool.

The exact cause of invagination is not always clear, but it is often associated with a preceding viral illness that causes inflammation and enlargement of lymphoid tissue in the intestinal wall, which can act as a leading point for the invagination. In older children and adults, underlying issues such as polyps, tumors, or Meckel's diverticulum are more frequently identified as the cause.

Diagnosis is typically made through a combination of clinical presentation and imaging studies, such as an abdominal ultrasound, which can visualize the characteristic "target sign." Treatment options depend on the severity and duration of the invagination. In some cases, a non-surgical reduction using air or contrast enemas may be successful. However, if the condition is prolonged, involves strangulation of the bowel, or is caused by a significant underlying lesion, surgical intervention may be necessary to manually separate the telescoped segments and address any damaged tissue. Prompt medical attention is crucial to prevent complications like bowel necrosis and perforation.