Intussusception Surgical Repair in Children
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.
This surgery is used if other methods are not able to fix an intussusception.
WHILE YOU ARE HERE:
Before your child's surgery:
- Informed consent is a legal document that explains the tests, treatments, or procedures that your child may need. Informed consent means you understand what will be done and can make decisions about what you want. You give your permission when you sign the consent form. You can have someone sign this form for you if you are not able to sign it. You have the right to understand your child's medical care in words you know. Before you sign the consent form, understand the risks and benefits of what will be done to your child. Make sure all of your questions are answered.
- An IV is a small tube placed in your child's vein that is used to give medicine or liquids.
- General anesthesia will keep your child asleep and free from pain during surgery. He or she may get anesthesia through his or her IV. He or she may instead breathe it in through a mask or a tube placed down his or her throat. The tube may cause your child to have a sore throat when he or she wakes up.
During your child's surgery:
Your child's surgeon will make an incision in the lower right area of your child's abdomen. He or she will unfold the bowel and check it to make sure it is healthy. He or she may not be able to unfold the bowel, or part of it may be diseased or dead. If this happens, the affected part of the bowel will be removed and the ends stitched together. The incision will be closed with stitches and medical tape.
After your child's surgery:
- Food and liquid will be given to your child slowly. He or she may be given ice chips at first. Then he or she will get liquids such as water, broth, juice, and clear soft drinks. If your child's stomach does not become upset, he or she may then be given soft foods, such as ice cream and applesauce. When your child can eat soft foods easily, he or she may slowly begin to eat solid foods.
- Intake and output may be measured. Healthcare providers will keep track of the amount of liquid your child is getting. They also may need to know how much your child is urinating. Ask healthcare providers if they need to measure or collect your child's urine.
- Medicines may be given to manage your child's pain or to prevent an infection caused by bacteria.
RISKS:
Your child's bowel may tear or get damaged. He or she may develop an infection. His or her incision wound could open and need to be repaired. The intussusception could happen again in the same place or another part of the bowel.
CARE AGREEMENT:
You have the right to help plan your child's care. Learn about your child's health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your child's healthcare providers to decide what care you want for your child.© Copyright Merative 2025 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Further information
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