invagination /invaj′ənā″shən/ [L, in, within, vagina, sheath] , 1. a condition in which one part of a structure telescopes into another, as the intestine during peristalsis. If the invagination is extensive or involves a tumor or polyp, it may cause an intestinal obstruction, necessitating surgery. 2. surgery for repair of a hernia by replacement of the contents of the hernial sac in the abdominal cavity. General or spinal anesthesia may be used. See also hernia, intestinal obstruction, intussusception, peristalsis. −invaginate, v.
