What does intussusception refer to?

Intussusception is a medical condition characterized by the telescoping of one segment of the intestine into an adjacent segment. This can lead to a blockage of the intestine, but it is specifically the action of one part slipping into another rather than just a blockage. It typically occurs in children and can cause inflammation, swelling, and reduced blood flow to the affected part of the intestine. If not treated promptly, it can result in serious complications, including tissue death or perforation.

Understanding this definition helps clarify why telescoping is the correct description of intussusception, distinguishing it from other related terms. For instance, twisting of the intestine is known as volvulus and indicates a different pathology. Blockage of the intestine can occur for various reasons, but it does not necessarily describe the mechanism of intussusception itself. Protrusion of an organ may refer to hernias or other conditions, which also differ in nature from the intentional movement that defines intussusception.