Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 16, 2026
08:45
Tissue Engineering of the Intestine in a Murine Model
Published on: December 1, 2012
Paediatric intussusception: epidemiology and outcome
Andrew Jm Blanch1, Susan B Perel, Jason P Acworth
1Department of Emergency Medicine, Royal Children's Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. andrew_blanch@health.qld.gov.au
Emergency Medicine Australasia : EMA
|February 20, 2007
Summary
Early diagnosis of intussusception in children is crucial, as classic symptoms are often absent. Delayed diagnosis of this bowel obstruction is linked to worse outcomes, highlighting the need for prompt recognition.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Surgical Pediatrics
Background:
- Intussusception is a common surgical emergency in infants and children.
- Classic clinical features are not always present, potentially delaying diagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the clinical presentation and outcomes of pediatric intussusception.
- To identify factors associated with earlier diagnosis and determine the impact of diagnostic delay on prognosis.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 141 pediatric patients diagnosed with intussusception over a 10-year period.
- Analysis of clinical presentation, diagnostic methods (including ultrasound), and treatment outcomes.
Main Results:
- The incidence was 1 per 1450 ED presentations, with a median age of 9 months.
- Only 46% of cases presented with three or more classic symptoms (vomiting, pain, bloody stool, abdominal mass).
- Median time to diagnosis was 19 hours; early diagnosis correlated with less surgery and bowel resection.
Conclusions:
- The classic presentation of intussusception is infrequent, and reliance on these signs can delay diagnosis.
- Delayed diagnosis is associated with poorer patient outcomes.
- Air enema is an effective reduction technique with an 80% success rate.
Related Concept Videos
01:07Intestinal Obstruction II: Pathophysiology
Intestinal obstruction triggers a series of physiological responses, starting with gas and fluid accumulation in the bowel segment proximal to the obstruction, leading to distension. This distended intestine compresses the diaphragm, hindering lung expansion and potentially leading to reduced respiratory effort, atelectasis, and pneumonia.To overcome the blockage, the gut intensifies contractions, causing colicky abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, which reduces fluid and food intake and...
01:29Intestinal Obstruction I: Introduction
Intestinal obstruction is a partial or complete blockage of the small or large intestine that disrupts the normal flow of intestinal contents through the lumen. This interruption impairs digestion, absorption, and fluid balance, and may lead to serious complications if not treated promptly.Mechanical ObstructionMechanical obstruction occurs when a physical blockage prevents intestinal contents from passing, arising from within the lumen or the bowel wall, or from external compression.Adhesions,...
01:26Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management
Patients with esophageal strictures often experience a range of symptoms. Initially, they may have difficulty swallowing solid foods, which can progress to include liquids. Additional symptoms may involve chest pain or discomfort, regurgitating food and fluids, heartburn, unintentional weight loss, coughing or choking during meals, and hoarseness.
Healthcare providers should gather a comprehensive medical history and conduct a physical examination for diagnosis. If esophageal stricture is...
Healthcare providers should gather a comprehensive medical history and conduct a physical examination for diagnosis. If esophageal stricture is...
01:21Inflammatory Bowel Disease V: Surgical Management
Surgical interventions for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, are essential in managing symptoms and addressing complications. The selection of surgical procedures is contingent upon the specific conditions and complications that stem from these illnesses.
Here are some common surgical interventions for IBD:
Here are some common surgical interventions for IBD:
01:30Esophageal Strictures-I: Introduction
Esophageal strictures involve abnormal narrowing or tightening of the esophagus. They vary in length and severity, ranging from mild constriction to complete obstruction, and are classified as benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
Etiology
The primary cause of esophageal strictures is long-standing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), accounting for about 70 to 80% of adult cases. Chronic acid reflux can lead to injury and scarring of the esophageal lining, culminating in...
Etiology
The primary cause of esophageal strictures is long-standing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), accounting for about 70 to 80% of adult cases. Chronic acid reflux can lead to injury and scarring of the esophageal lining, culminating in...
01:29Appendicitis-II: Diagnostic Studies and Management
Diagnosing and managing appendicitis requires a structured and comprehensive approach that spans from initial assessment to postoperative care. Here is an overview of the process:
Diagnosing Appendicitis
It requires a multifaceted approach, starting with a detailed physical examination to pinpoint the location and nature of the pain and identify any associated symptoms. Laboratory tests play a crucial role. A complete Blood Count (CBC) typically reveals leukocytosis (an increased number of...
Diagnosing Appendicitis
It requires a multifaceted approach, starting with a detailed physical examination to pinpoint the location and nature of the pain and identify any associated symptoms. Laboratory tests play a crucial role. A complete Blood Count (CBC) typically reveals leukocytosis (an increased number of...