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Published on: March 5, 2018
Idiopathic intussusception in infancy and childhood
Stanley J Crankson1, Abdullah A Al-Rabeeah, James D Fischer
1Department of Surgery, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. cranksons@yahoo.com
Saudi Medical Journal
|June 5, 2003
Summary
Idiopathic intussusception, a common cause of abdominal pain in children, often presents with rectal bleeding. Barium enema is effective in over half of cases, with surgery reserved for complex situations.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Gastroenterology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Idiopathic intussusception is a significant cause of acute abdominal symptoms in infants and children.
- It presents with symptoms like abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, and intestinal obstruction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review cases of idiopathic intussusception in children over a 17-year period.
- To analyze clinical presentation, diagnostic methods, treatment outcomes, and recurrence rates.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of medical records of pediatric patients with idiopathic intussusception.
- Data collected included demographics, clinical signs, diagnostic investigations (including barium enema), and treatment modalities.
- Analysis of length of hospital stay and patient outcomes.
Main Results:
- 37 episodes of intussusception occurred in 33 children (mean age 8.4 months); 21 males, 12 females.
- Common symptoms included rectal bleeding (81%), vomiting (78%), and abdominal pain (65%). All were ileocolic without a leading point.
- Barium enema reduction was successful in 20/36 cases. Laparotomy was performed in 16 cases, with 11 successful manual reductions and 6 requiring bowel resection.
Conclusions:
- Idiopathic intussusception is typically ileocolic, with classical symptoms including rectal bleeding.
- Barium enema is a successful reduction technique in over half of attempted cases.
- Consideration for repeat or delayed enema reduction in stable cases and awareness of potential adhesive obstruction post-surgery are important.
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