Ultrasound-guided hydrostatic reduction of intussusceptions by saline enema: a review of 5218 cases in 17 years.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of ultrasound (US)-guided hydrostatic reduction (UGSED) of intussusceptions in pediatric patients by saline enema.

METHODS: Five thousand two hundred eighteen pediatric patients with intussusceptions treated by UGSED from October 1985 to October 2002 were reviewed retrospectively.

RESULTS: The success rate of reduction in 5218 patients was 95.5%. Two hundred thirty-seven patients (4.5%) underwent surgery. Colonic perforation occurred in 9 patients (0.17%). Two infants suffered from milk aspiration because of vomiting during the hydrostatic enema reduction. There was no mortality.

CONCLUSIONS: UGSED of intussusceptions avoids radiation exposure. It is reliable and safe. It has high success rate and minimal complications. It is a perfect method for the nonoperative treatment of pediatric intussusception and can be widely used as routine therapy.