Skip navigation

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

URL of this page: //medlineplus.gov/ency/presentations/100165.htm

Intestinal obstruction (pediatric) - series—Indications, part 1

Indications, part 1

Overview

Intussusception is a common cause of bowel obstruction in children. It occurs when a segment of small bowel "telescopes" on itself, thus causing swelling, obstruction, and eventually intestinal gangrene.

Review Date 2/28/2022

Updated by: Debra G. Wechter, MD, FACS, General Surgery Practice Specializing in Breast Cancer, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

Related MedlinePlus Health Topics