Intussusception: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats intussusception?
A general surgeon and a pediatrician (children's doctor) treat intussusception, a condition where part of the intestine slides into another part like a telescope, most often in young children. This is a medical emergency needing immediate treatment in a hospital, and a direct primary care or concierge doctor helps with follow-up after. Seek emergency care for sudden belly pain or vomiting.
What is intussusception?
Intussusception is a condition in which part of the intestine folds into itself, much like a collapsible telescope. Usually the last part of the small intestine folds into the first part of the large intestine.
This can block food from passing through the intestine. If the blood supply is cut off, the part of the intestine pulled inside can die. A hole in the bowel can lead to infection, shock, and dehydration very quickly.
It is the most common cause of intestinal obstruction in babies and young children.
Symptoms
The first sign is often sudden, loud crying caused by belly pain. The pain is colicky, which means it comes and goes. It gets stronger and lasts longer each time it returns. A baby may draw the knees to the chest while crying.
Other symptoms in babies and children include:
- Vomiting.
- Bloody, mucus-like stool, sometimes called currant jelly stool.
- Fever.
- Lethargy, which means very low energy.
- Signs of shock, such as pale skin and sweating.
In adults, symptoms may include belly pain, nausea, vomiting, blood in the stool, constipation, and bloating.
Causes and who gets it
In most babies and young children, doctors cannot find a cause. Research suggests that infections with viruses or bacteria may raise the chance. When a cause is found, it may be a growth in the intestine or a birth defect of the digestive tract. It may also be a disease such as cystic fibrosis, or surgery.
Babies and young children are more likely to get it than adults. It is most common in babies younger than age 1. It usually affects children ages 5 months to 3 years. It is more common in boys.
It is rare in adults. In adults, doctors can find the cause in most cases. Causes include growths in the intestine, scar tissue after surgery, and diseases such as celiac disease and Crohn's disease.
How doctors diagnose it
Doctors ask about symptoms and medical history and do a physical exam. The exam may find a lump in the belly or signs of dehydration or shock. Imaging tests help confirm the problem. These include x-rays and ultrasound. A lower GI series uses x-rays and a chalky liquid called barium to view the large intestine. A CT scan is used more often in adults.
Treatment
A child is first stabilized. A tube is passed through the nose into the stomach, and fluids are given through an IV line to prevent dehydration.
In babies and children, doctors most often treat it with an enema. A doctor inserts a tube through the anus and uses x-ray guidance to push air or another substance into the large intestine. This pushes the folded intestine back into place. There is a risk of bowel tearing with this procedure.
Surgery is needed if the enema does not work. The bowel tissue can very often be saved, and dead tissue is removed. Antibiotics may be needed for infection. In adults, doctors most often use surgery.
The outcome is good with early treatment, but it can come back. If a hole forms in the bowel, it must be treated right away.
When to see a doctor
Intussusception is a medical emergency. Call 911 or the local emergency number, or go to the emergency room right away if a baby or child has sudden, loud crying from belly pain that comes and goes, vomiting, bloody stool that looks like currant jelly, fever, or very low energy. Go right away for signs of dehydration or shock too. Shock can bring confusion, a fast heart rate, pale skin, and sweating. Adults with belly pain, vomiting, or blood in the stool need emergency care as well.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. After emergency treatment, such a doctor can follow up on recovery and watch for symptoms that come back. They can also coordinate care with your child's surgeon and pediatrician.
Common questions
What are the signs of intussusception?
Common signs include sudden episodes of belly pain that come and go, drawing the knees up, vomiting, and stool that looks like red jelly. A baby or child with these signs needs to be seen in an emergency room right away.
Can a direct primary care doctor manage intussusception?
No, intussusception needs immediate treatment in a hospital or emergency room, not a routine office visit, because it can become life-threatening quickly. A direct primary care doctor can help recognize the warning signs, send you to emergency care, and support recovery and follow-up afterward.
How is intussusception treated?
Intussusception is often treated in a hospital with a procedure that uses air or fluid to gently push the intestine back into place. If that does not work, or the bowel is damaged, a general surgeon may need to perform surgery.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Intussusception - children
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases - Intussusception
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
