Intussusception

Intussusception (pronounced “in-tuh-sus-SEP-shun”) is a medical emergency where one segment of your intestine folds partially inside the other, causing a bowel obstruction (blockage). Sometimes, the folding is described as “telescoping” because it resembles how the pieces fit into each other on a telescope. Usually, intussusception affects the small intestine (bowel).

Without treatment, the blockage can slow blood flow to your intestine and prevent food from passing through it. The obstruction can cause swelling and inflammation that leads to life-threatening complications.

Intussusception requires emergency care — but it’s treatable if you get help fast.

How common is intussusception?

Anyone can develop intussusception, including adults, but it’s most common among children between 3 months and 3 years old.

Only 1% of adult bowel obstructions are related to intussusception. But intussusception is the most common reason children under 3 years old develop a bowel obstruction. Approximately 1 in 2,000 babies in the U.S. develop intussusception in their first year.