Single-center experience of managing childhood intussusception

Abstract

Background: Intussusception is one of the emergencies encountered in early childhood requiring emergent interventions. The purpose of the study is to determine the outcomes and prognosis of our methods and management strategies employed in children who developed intussusception. Methods: This is a retrospective case series performed by reviewing the patient medical records, sonographic and radiological reports, and surgical notes of the patients managed for intussusception at our hospital from 2009–2018. Results: A total of 355 cases of intussusception were managed during the study tenure. The etiology was idiopathic in 97.4% whereas the remaining patients had Meckel’s diverticulum, lymphoma, and intestinal polyp as pathological lead point (PLP). Ultrasound was used for the diagnosis as the primary investigation tool in all the patients, with 100% diagnostic accuracy in the current study. Non-operative management by hydrostatic reduction was performed successfully in 79.43% of the patients. Total episodes with recurrence were 23 (6%); 30% had recurrence within 48 hours. Recurrence occurred by an average of 7.68 months after the successful reduction. Conclusions: The majority has idiopathic etiology, but secondary cause with some pathological lead point is also not uncommon. Profound attention is required for prompt identification and treatment to avoid bowel ischemia. Ultrasound remains the preferred diagnostic modality in our patients. Even with recurring episodes of intussusception, the primary treatment remains hydrostatic reduction.