Intussusception (medical disorder)



An intussusception is a medical condition in which a part of the intestine invaginates (folds into) into another section of intestine, similar to the way the parts of a collapsible telescope retract into one another. This can often result in an obstruction. The part that prolapses into the other is called the intussusceptum, and the part that receives it is called the intussuscepiens. Intussusception is a medical emergency and a patient should be seen immediately to reduce risk.