Ileo-colic intussusception in premature neonate

Summary

Intussusception in neonatal age is very rare. A 12-day-old child was referred from peripheral hospital with history of intolerance to feed, absolute constipation, abdominal distension and significant bilious aspirate. Per-rectal examination revealed necrotic haemorrhagic fluid. The patient was treated on the lines of necrotising enterocolitis in the referring hospital. On further investigation and exploration, the patient turned out to be ileo-colic intussusception which is exceedingly less common in premature neonates. Hence, other causes of intestinal obstruction should also be considered along with vigilant clinical outlook in neonates.