What term describes the condition where the intestine telescopes into itself?

The term that describes the condition where the intestine telescopes into itself is "intussusception." This phenomenon occurs when one segment of the intestine invaginates, or folds into, an adjacent segment, creating a blockage. This can lead to a variety of complications, including obstruction, impaired blood flow, and potential tissue death due to lack of circulation.

Intussusception commonly affects children and can result in acute abdominal pain, vomiting, and an “currant jelly” stool due to the presence of blood and mucus. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are critical to prevent serious complications.

While obstruction refers to a blockage in the intestinal tract, it does not specifically indicate the telescoping nature of the condition. Strangulation is a more severe complication where the blood supply to the affected segment is cut off, often following an obstruction, but it does not describe the mechanism of the intestine folding into itself. Perforation involves a tear in the intestinal wall, leading to the spilling of intestinal contents into the abdominal cavity, which is a serious condition but again does not relate to the intussusception process. Thus, the most accurate term for the described condition is indeed intussusception.