Peristalsis forces the proximal portion of the bowel back into itself. A bowel obstruction will occur at this point. This can lead to a decreased blood supply to the affected portion of the bowel, which can cause death of the bowel tissue. This condition occurs most often in children, and is most common at the ileocecal valve.
Early diagnosis is critical in order to save the bowel and the infant.
The specific cause of intussusception is unknown. It can also be caused by blunt abdominal trauma. It occurs most often in children who are between the ages of 5 months and one year. This can lead to a decreased blood flow to that area. As previously mentioned, this can cause that portion of the bowel to die.