Intussusception in infants and children: Analysis of 152 cases with a discussion of reduction by barium enema

Abstract

Summary Intussusception is a condition which should be free from mortality iftreated in the first twenty-four hours after onset of symptoms. Preoperative administration of parenteral fluids and blood is of sufficient importance to warrant priority over definitive therapy, especially in late cases. Hydrostatic pressure reduction under fluoroscopic control appears to give both a lower mortality and a lower morbidity than primary operative reduction as measured by fever, diarrhea, vomiting, distention, length of hospital stay, wound infections, and mechanical intestinal obstruction due to adhesions. If resection is required, anastomosis with an associated vent seems the safest method.