What is the main complication associated with intussusception?

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Intussusception is a medical condition that occurs when a part of the intestine telescopes into an adjacent segment of the intestine, leading to various complications. The primary complication associated with intussusception is obstruction. This occurs because the telescoping of the intestine can block the passage of food, fluids, and digestive waste. As a result of this blockage, the affected segment can become distended, leading to abdominal pain, vomiting, and other gastrointestinal symptoms.

An obstruction can also lead to more severe complications if not treated promptly, such as ischemia (loss of blood supply) to the affected area of the intestine, perforation, and subsequent infection. While inflammation and infection can arise as secondary complications, the direct and immediate concern in intussusception is the obstruction caused by the intussuscepted segment.

As for the other options, inflammation may occur as a result of the obstruction and irritation of the intestinal tissue but is not the main complication. Similarly, infection can occur later in the scenario but is not a primary complication tied directly to the mechanism of intussusception. Varicosity, which refers to swollen or dilated veins, is unrelated to this condition and does not represent a complication associated with intussusception. F

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