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Paediatric intussusception in Calabar, Nigeria
A E Archibong1, I N Usoro, E Ikpi
1Paediatric Surgery Unit, Department of Surgery, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria.
East African Medical Journal
|April 26, 2001
Summary
This study on pediatric intussusception in Calabar found late presentation common. Clinical assessment, not time, guides treatment, favoring manual reduction during surgery.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Gastroenterology
- Public Health
Background:
- Intussusception is a common surgical emergency in children.
- Understanding its prevalence and management in specific regions is crucial for improving outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence, clinical presentation, management, and outcomes of pediatric intussusception in Calabar, Nigeria.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of different management strategies.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective study was conducted at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital.
- Data from pediatric intussusception cases between 1989 and 1998 were analyzed.
Main Results:
- The mean age of affected children was 7.5 months, with a male predominance (1.8:1).
- Common symptoms included vomiting (85.3%), irritability (77.5%), and rectal bleeding (52.8%).
- Most patients presented late (>36 hours) and had prior enema administration; 91% underwent laparotomy with manual reduction.
Conclusions:
- Clinical status and abdominal evaluation are key for deciding between operative and non-operative reduction.
- Operative reduction often involves manual techniques, suggesting conservative methods should be considered first.