Childhood intussusception in Abeokuta, South-west Nigeria

Abstract

Background and Objective: While significant progress has been made in the management of childhood intussusception globally, many centers in the developing world still grapple with the challenges of late presentation and attendant high morbidity and mortality. This study aims to review the pattern of presentation and the treatment outcome of children treated for intussusception at a semiurban tertiary hospital in Abeokuta, South-west Nigeria. Patients and Methods: A retrospective study of forty consecutive children aged 15 years old and below, who were managed for intussusception between April 2013 and March 2018 was done. The bio data, clinical presentation, operative findings, and outcome were obtained from the operating theater records and patient case notes. The data were analyzed using the SPSS software version 23. Results: There were forty patients, of which 20 were male and 20 were female. Their age ranged from 4 months to 5 years, with a median age of 7 months. Thirty -five (87.5%) patients were aged less 1 year. The duration of symptoms ranged between 6 h and 9 days (median = 3 days). Majority (57.5%) of patients presented after 48 h of the onset of symptoms. The patients were treated by the operative manual reduction in 67.5%, whereas 32.5% had bowel resection and anastomosis. Seven children (17.5%) died while postoperative complications occurred in 27.5% of patients. Factors associated with poor outcome included late presentation, bowel resection, and severe sepsis. Conclusion: The management of intussusception in Abeokuta is associated with high morbidity and mortality, which can be improved if affected children present earlier.