Factors influencing management and comparison of outcomes in paediatric intussusceptions.

AIM: This study aims to compare management strategy and outcomes of paediatric ileocolic intussusceptions (ICI) versus small-bowel intussusceptions (SBI).

METHODS: Hospital charts of patients with intussusceptions between January 1999 and June 2006 were reviewed retrospectively.

RESULTS: A total of 135 patients with the diagnosis of intussusceptions were found in the database. In 111 patients the diagnosis was confirmed using ultrasound. The median age of the patients was 2.25 years (range 9 weeks-10 years). ICI were documented in 83 patients (74.8%) and SBI in 28 (25.2%). Spontaneous reductions were observed in 11 of 83 (13.3%) ICI and 18 of 28 (64.3%) SBI. Pneumatic reductions were attempted and were successful in 61 of 67 (91%) ICI and 6 of 7 (85.7%) SBI. Surgery was performed in 11 of 83 (13.3%) ICI and 4 of 28 (14.3%) SBI; with 2 of 83 (2.4%) ICI and 3 of 28 (10.7%) SBI patients requiring bowel resections. The median age of patients requiring surgery was 9 months in ICI and 6 years in SBI.

CONCLUSION: There are differences in ICI and SBI with regard to spontaneous reductions, and bowel resection, and age with regard to surgery and bowel resection. The treatment efficacy depends on time of presentation, intussusception type, pathologic lead points, ultrasound/colour Doppler interpretation and expertise in reduction techniques.