Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 12, 2026

Postoperative Ileus Murine Model
Published on: July 12, 2024
[Invagination in children: not always ileocaecal]
I Oros-Horjus1, D C van der Zee, D Vieira-Travassos
1Universitair Medisch Centrum Utrecht, locatie Wilhelmina Kinderziekenhuis, afd. Kinderchirurgie, Utrecht.
Insights
Secondary intussusception in children requires careful evaluation for a lead point, especially in those over 3. Prompt investigation, including laparoscopy, is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Intussusception is a common surgical emergency in infants and young children.
- Idiopathic intussusception is the most frequent type, typically resolving with hydrostatic reduction.
Observation:
- Three pediatric cases of secondary intussusception are presented, two initially misdiagnosed as idiopathic.
- Two cases involved ileo-ileal intussusception with lead points (malignant lymphoma, vasculitis), while one ileo-ileal intussusception resolved spontaneously (Meckel's diverticulum).
Findings:
- Contrast enema can be misleading, appearing successful when only partially reducing the intussusception.
- Recurrence or suspicion of a lead point necessitates further investigation, including diagnostic laparoscopy.
- Lead points were identified in intussusceptions in children over 3 years old or with underlying conditions.
Implications:
- Emphasizes the importance of identifying lead points in pediatric intussusception, particularly in older children or those with comorbidities.
- Highlights the limitations of contrast enema in diagnosing and treating complex intussusception cases.
- Advocates for a low threshold for advanced diagnostic procedures like laparoscopy to ensure definitive management.
Abstract:
Three patients, two girls aged 10 and a boy aged 11, suffered from secondary intussusception. Two of the cases were mistakenly managed as an idiopathic or classic intussusception. Hydrostatic reduction with a contrast enema was thought to be successful when retrograde influx in the ileum was seen. As the intussusception recurred, a diagnostic laparoscopy was performed followed by laparotomy and surgical treatment. In both cases an ileo-ileal intussusception was found. In one case the lead point was a malignant lymphoma, in the other case probably an area of vasculitis associated with Henoch Schönlein purpura. The enema had only repositioned the ileocolic part of the intussusception. In the third patient, the ileo-ileal intussusception resolved spontaneously. Due to the location of the intus-susception, a lead point was suspected and a laparoscopy was performed. A Meckel's diverticulum was found and resected. The importance of looking for a lead point is emphasized when dealing with an intussusception in children over the age of 3, or with evidence of underlying disease. In such cases, the relative value of a contrast enema for diagnosis and reposition is emphasised. There should be a low threshold for further investigation, including diagnostic laparoscopy.
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