Learn about Intussusception Treatment in India — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in Intussusception and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Intussusception

Intussusception is a serious medical emergency where one segment of the intestine telescopes into an adjacent segment, causing a potentially life-threatening bowel obstruction. A Surgical Gastroenterologist is a specialist who manages this condition, which is most common in infants and young children but can also occur in adults. The primary goal is to reduce the intussusception, restoring normal blood flow and bowel function to prevent tissue death (necrosis). The initial, non-surgical approach often involves an air or liquid contrast enema under fluoroscopic or ultrasound guidance to gently push the telescoped bowel back into place. If this is unsuccessful, contraindicated, or if bowel compromise is suspected, a laparoscopic or open surgical procedure is performed to manually reduce the intussusception and, if necessary, resect any non-viable intestine. Timely intervention by a specialist is crucial for a successful outcome.

Key Highlights

    Addresses a critical pediatric and adult surgical emergency to prevent bowel necrosis.Specialized care from a Surgical Gastroenterologist ensures expert management of intestinal disorders.Non-surgical reduction via enema is often successful, avoiding the need for an operation.Minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery can be used for reduction or resection, leading to smaller scars and potentially faster recovery.Timely treatment effectively relieves obstruction, restores blood flow, and resolves severe symptoms like pain and vomiting.

Who is this surgery for?

  • Clinical diagnosis of intussusception, often presenting with sudden onset of severe, intermittent abdominal pain, vomiting, and "currant jelly" stools.
  • Confirmed diagnosis via abdominal ultrasound or CT scan showing the classic "target sign" or "doughnut sign."
  • Failure of non-operative reduction using an air or hydrostatic enema.
  • Signs of bowel perforation, peritonitis, or clinical shock, which are contraindications for enema reduction.
  • Recurrent episodes of intussusception.
  • Intussusception in adults, which often has a lead point (like a tumor or polyp) requiring surgical investigation and resection.

How to prepare

  • Immediate stabilization, which may include intravenous (IV) fluids to correct dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.
  • Insertion of a nasogastric (NG) tube to decompress the stomach and prevent vomiting.
  • Administration of broad-spectrum antibiotics if infection or bowel compromise is suspected.
  • Pre-operative blood tests and imaging studies (ultrasound/CT) to confirm the diagnosis and plan the surgical approach.
  • Informed consent discussion detailing the procedure, risks, and the possibility of bowel resection.
  • For non-emergent adult cases, bowel preparation may be advised if a lead point lesion is suspected.

Risks & possible complications

  • Recurrence of intussusception after non-surgical or surgical reduction.
  • Bowel perforation during enema reduction or surgery.
  • Bowel ischemia or necrosis requiring resection, which can lead to short bowel syndrome.
  • Infection at the surgical site or within the abdomen (peritonitis).
  • Bleeding during the procedure.
  • Reactions to anesthesia.
  • Formation of scar tissue (adhesions) leading to future bowel obstructions.
  • Leakage from the intestinal anastomosis (connection) if a resection was performed.

Recovery & hospital stay

  • Post-operative monitoring in the hospital for pain, bowel function return, and signs of complications.
  • IV fluids and antibiotics are continued until bowel function resumes.
  • The nasogastric tube is removed once bowel sounds return and drainage decreases.
  • A clear liquid diet is introduced first, gradually advancing to solid foods as tolerated.
  • Pain is managed with appropriate medications.
  • Incision care instructions are provided, and follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor healing.
  • Parents/caregivers are educated on signs of recurrence (return of pain, vomiting) requiring immediate medical attention.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 3-7 days
  • checked Expected recovery time: 2-4 weeks

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering intussusception in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.

Procedure cost in other countries

Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for intussusception compare across other countries where we have data.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India INR 80 Thousand – 250 Thousand 3-7 days ~ 2-4 weeks Know More
Turkey TRY 280 Thousand – 875 Thousand 3-7 days ~ 2-4 weeks Know More

Top hospitals for Intussusception in India

These partner hospitals in India have dedicated surgical gastroenterology teams and experience managing patients undergoing intussusception.

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10171+ Rating

Miot Hospital Chennai

  • IconChennai, India
  • Icon250 Doctors
PATIENT REVIEW

Emily Ali is a 9-month-old, happy...

Emily Ali is a 9-month-old, happy baby girl who is the first child of young parents. Her mother noticed she had become unusually fussy and was drawing her legs up to her chest in pain. This was followed by episodes of vomiting and a diaper containing what looked like red currant jelly. Terrified, her parents rushed her to the Emergency Department. After an ultrasound confirmed intussusception, the Surgical Gastroenterologist recommended an air enema reduction as the first line of treatment. Emily was taken to the fluoroscopy suite where the doctor carefully administered air pressure to gently push the telescoped section of her intestine back into place. The procedure was successful, and Emily was admitted overnight for observation. She recovered quickly, her pain vanished, and she was back to her smiling, playful self within a day. Her parents went from sheer panic and helplessness to immense relief and gratitude, having witnessed a minimally invasive procedure solve what felt like a life-threatening crisis.

Surgical Gastroenterologists for Intussusception

Explore experienced surgical gastroenterologists who regularly perform intussusception and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.

Dr. Surendran R
  • 35 Years Experience
  • Surgical Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Tamil, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 900
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai

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Dr. Hemanth Kumar K
  • 10 Years Experience
  • Surgical Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 500
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore

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Dr. Alister Victor
  • 8 Years Experience
  • Surgical Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 750
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore

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Dr. Rajasekar A
  • 33 Years Experience
  • Surgical Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 500
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Salem, Salem

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Dr. Shashidhara Gosikere Matta G
  • 19 Years Experience
  • Surgical Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore

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Dr. Sanjeev Rohatgi
  • 17 Years Experience
  • Surgical Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 450
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore

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Dr. Nagaraj Palankar
  • 16 Years Experience
  • Surgical Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore

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Dr. Jasti BK Surendra
  • 25 Years Experience
  • Surgical Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, vijayawada

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Dr. Ramya
  • 11 Years Experience
  • Surgical Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 850
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, vijayawada

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Dr. Raghavendra N
  • 16 Years Experience
  • Surgical Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 900
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore

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Dr. Maruthesh Chikkappa
  • 13 Years Experience
  • Surgical Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 700
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore

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Dr. Sathish Kumar
  • 13 Years Experience
  • Surgical Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Bangalore

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Dr. Kasthuri T S
  • 12 Years Experience
  • Surgical Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 500
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Bangalore

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Dr. BS Ramakrishna
  • 30 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi, Tamil
Consult Charge ₹ 500

MediFyr Plus SIMS Hospital Vadapalani, Chennai

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Dr. P Anbalagan
  • 25 Years Experience
  • Surgical Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi, Tamil
Consult Charge ₹ 500

MediFyr Plus SIMS Hospital Vadapalani, Chennai

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Dr. Vivekanandan Shanmugam
  • 29 Years Experience
  • Surgical Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi, Tamil
Consult Charge ₹ 500

MediFyr Plus SIMS Hospital Vadapalani, Chennai

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Dr. Govind Nandakumar
  • 18 Years Experience
  • Surgical Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 980
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Hebbal, Bangalore

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Dr. SASI KANTH UDDAGIRI
  • 22 Years Experience
  • Surgical Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, vijayawada

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Dr. C. MANSOOR AHMED
  • 4 Years Experience
  • Surgical Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Kamineni Hospital, King Koti, Hyderabad

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Dr. Adithya V Naragund
  • 14 Years Experience
  • Surgical Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Kannada, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Cytecare Hospital, Bangalore

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