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Postoperative intussusception in childhood: case report
1Department of Surgery, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Nigeria.
Insights
Postoperative intestinal obstruction can occur after appendicitis surgery. Early diagnosis of ileoileal intussusception is crucial to prevent complications like strangulation.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Acute appendicitis is a common pediatric surgical emergency.
- Laparotomy is a standard surgical approach for complicated appendicitis and peritonitis.
Observation:
- A previously healthy eight-year-old female developed symptoms of intestinal obstruction on postoperative day seven following appendectomy for peritonitis.
- Conservative management failed, necessitating a repeat laparotomy.
Findings:
- Repeat laparotomy revealed an ileoileal intussusception, which was successfully reduced.
- Intussusception is an uncommon but significant cause of postoperative intestinal obstruction.
Implications:
- High clinical suspicion is vital for diagnosing intussusception, as classic signs and radiological findings are often absent.
- Prompt diagnosis and surgical intervention are essential to prevent intestinal strangulation and perforation in postoperative patients.
Abstract:
An eight year old female had laparotomy for general peritonitis due to acute appendicitis. Postoperative course was uneventful until the seventh day when abdominal pain, and distension and vomiting ensued which did not respond to conservative management. At repeat laparotomy, an ileoileal intussusception was found and reduced without difficulty. Intussusception is an uncommon but important cause of postoperative intestinal obstruction. Since the typical features of intussusception are usually absent and radiology frequently unhelpful, a high index of clinical suspicion is necessary for early diagnosis and treatment to avoid strangulation and perforation.