Patophysiology of intussusception
The most common locations in the gastrointestinal tract where an intussusception can take place are the junctions between freely moving segments and retroperitoneally or adhesionally fixed segments. Stimulation of the gastrointestinal tract by a food bolus produces an area of constriction above the bolus and relaxation below. Any intraluminal lesion in the gastrointestinal tract or irritant within the lumen, which alters the normal peristaltic pattern, is able to initiate intussusception. The duodenum, stomach, and esophagus are rarely involved in intussusception because they are less redundant and less mobile within the abdomen (Cera, 2008). A historical cause of both antegrade and retrograde small bowel intussusception in adults is the use of long cantor tubes (Shub et al., 1978). Antegrade intussusception in this situation occurs as telescoping of the bowel over the tube especially when it is fixed in place with tape at the nose. Retrograde intussusception occurs during or after the tube is removed, especially if removed quickly and with force (Cera, 2008).