Intussusception happens when part of the bowel slides into another part of the bowel like the parts of a telescope. This causes a blockage that leads to belly pain and can block blood flow to the bowel. It needs quick treatment, or the bowel can be damaged. The doctor used a kind of enema to treat the intussusception (in-tuh-suh-SEP-shun). A small tube was placed in your child's bottom and taped in place. The doctor then filled the bowel with air or liquid and pushed the "telescoped bowel" back into place, which fixed the intussusception.

• Eating and drinking:
  • Slowly increase the amount of liquids your child is drinking back to their normal amount.
  • If your child usually eats solid foods, make sure they hold down liquids first. Then offer solid foods that are low in fat and easy to digest (such as toast, crackers, and cereal) and slowly go back to your child's regular diet.
• Let your child rest as needed.
• Intussusception can come back after being treated. Watch for signs of intussusception happening again and, if you see any, take your child to the ER right away.
• Your child needs to see their regular doctor in 1–2 days. Call as soon as possible to schedule this visit.

Your child:

• isn't drinking
• has a fever
• has belly pain

Your child:

• has signs of intussusception again:
  • severe cramping belly pain that comes and goes
  • bleeding from the rectum (bottom) or blood in the poop
  • seems weak or sluggish
  • vomits or can't keep liquids down
• has belly pain and the belly is firm or bloated
• appears dehydrated; signs include a dry mouth, few or no tears when crying, more than 4–6 hours without a wet diaper, sunken eyes, or soft spot on the head

What causes intussusception? Most of the time, doctors don't know what causes intussusception. Experts see some links between intussusception and a child having a recent viral or bacterial infection. Sometimes there is a polyp or other kind of lump that causes the intussusception to start. 

Should a child get the rotavirus vaccine after having intussusception? No. An older version of the rotavirus vaccine was linked to cases of intussusception. That vaccine is no longer used. But as an extra precaution, a child who has had intussusception should not get any doses of rotavirus vaccine.