Our Summary

This study looked at people who had surgery for intussusception, a condition where part of the intestine folds into itself, between 2010 and 2014. It aimed to identify factors that could predict whether patients would need part of their bowel removed (bowel resection), or whether they had a “pathological lead point,” which is an abnormality that triggers the intussusception.

The researchers found that out of 5,096 patients treated for intussusception, 73 had surgery. Among these, 28 (or 38.4%) needed a bowel resection. The results showed that older patients, and those who had symptoms for longer, were more likely to need their bowel removed. Older age was also found to predict the presence of a pathological lead point.

In addition, people who had a noticeable mass in their abdomen were more likely to need a bowel resection and to have a pathological lead point.

The researchers concluded that older age at the time of surgery and a longer duration of symptoms could predict the need for bowel resection in patients with intussusception. They also found that older children were more likely to have a pathological lead point.

FAQs

  1. What is intussusception and how is it treated?
  2. What factors were found to predict the need for a bowel resection in patients with intussusception?
  3. What is a pathological lead point and how is it related to intussusception?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might give to a patient about bowel resection is to follow a healthy diet high in fiber and drink plenty of water to help promote regular bowel movements and prevent constipation. It is also important to avoid straining during bowel movements to reduce the risk of complications after surgery. Additionally, staying active and getting regular exercise can help improve bowel function and overall recovery. Follow your doctor’s post-operative instructions closely and attend all follow-up appointments to ensure a successful recovery.

Suitable For

Overall, patients who are older, have had symptoms for a longer period of time, and have a noticeable mass in their abdomen are more likely to be recommended for bowel resection in cases of intussusception. Additionally, older children are more likely to have a pathological lead point, which may also require bowel resection.

Timeline

Before bowel resection:

  1. Patient experiences symptoms of intussusception, such as abdominal pain, vomiting, and bloody stools.
  2. Patient undergoes diagnostic tests, such as ultrasound or CT scan, to confirm the diagnosis of intussusception.
  3. Treatment options, including surgery, are discussed with the patient and their healthcare team.

After bowel resection:

  1. Patient undergoes surgery to remove the affected part of the intestine.
  2. Recovery period in the hospital, where the patient is closely monitored for any complications.
  3. Patient may need to follow a special diet and take medication to aid in the healing process.
  4. Follow-up appointments with the healthcare team to monitor the patient’s progress and address any concerns.
  5. Patient gradually resumes normal activities and diet as advised by their healthcare team.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about bowel resection include:

  1. What is the reason for recommending a bowel resection in my case?
  2. What are the risks and potential complications associated with bowel resection surgery?
  3. How will bowel resection affect my digestion and bowel movements in the long term?
  4. What is the recovery process like after bowel resection surgery?
  5. Are there any alternative treatment options to bowel resection that I can consider?
  6. How likely is it that I will need a colostomy or ileostomy after bowel resection?
  7. Will I need any additional treatments or therapies after bowel resection surgery?
  8. Are there any lifestyle changes or dietary modifications I should make after bowel resection?
  9. How often will I need follow-up appointments or monitoring after bowel resection surgery?
  10. What is the success rate of bowel resection surgery in treating my condition?

Reference

Authors: Wong CW, Jin S, Chen J, Tam PK, Wong KK. Journal: J Pediatr Surg. 2016 Dec;51(12):1998-2000. doi: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2016.09.033. Epub 2016 Sep 16. PMID: 27666006