Barium enema is the gold standard of diagnosis. It often results in a successful reduction of the intussusception as well. Ultrasound and air contrast enemas have also been used to diagnose intussusception. Patients with hypovolemic shock should first have their intravascular volume restored before undergoing a barium enema. Any patient with evidence of bowel perforation should be taken immediately to surgery.
Vomiting is a common reason to seek emergency or acute care.
It is usually the result of a benign cause. However, it may be difficult to distinguish serious causes from benign causes if the evaluation is superficial. Whenever the chief complaint is vomiting, the diagnosis of intussusception should be considered. The history and examination should be directed at determining whether intussusception is possible based on clinical grounds. The chart should include comments in the history regarding the frequency of vomiting, the color of the emesis, the presence or absence of abdominal pain, the frequency of abdominal pain, and the activity level of the child.