Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 10, 2026
Tissue Engineering of the Intestine in a Murine Model
Published on: December 1, 2012
Current success in the treatment of intussusception in children
Anthony D Kaiser1, Kimberly E Applegate, Alan P Ladd
1Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.
Insights
Radiologic reduction of intussusception is more successful with air-contrasted enemas and is not impacted by prior failed attempts. Delayed presentation significantly reduces success rates and increases surgical intervention risks.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Gastroenterology
- Radiology
Background:
- Intussusception is a leading cause of bowel obstruction in children, posing risks of morbidity and mortality if untreated.
- Prompt diagnosis and intervention are crucial for favorable outcomes in pediatric intussusception.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the success rate of radiologic reduction for intussusception.
- To determine factors influencing the need for surgical intervention.
- To assess the impact of delayed presentation on treatment outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A 15-year retrospective review of children treated for intussusception at a tertiary children's hospital.
- Analysis of patient outcomes, including radiologic and surgical interventions.
- Comparison of success rates based on reduction technique and symptom duration.
Main Results:
- Successful radiologic reduction was achieved in 46% of 190 contrasted enemas; air-contrasted enemas (54%) were more successful than liquid (34%).
- Success rates were higher with symptom duration <24 hours (59%) versus >24 hours (36%).
- Delayed presentation (>24 hours) increased the risk of surgery (73%) and bowel resection (39%).
Conclusions:
- Air-contrasted enema techniques improve intussusception reduction success.
- Previously failed reduction attempts do not negatively impact subsequent enema success.
- Delayed presentation significantly decreases radiologic reduction success and elevates the need for surgical intervention and resection.
Background:
Intussusception remains a common cause of bowel obstruction in young children and results in significant morbidity and mortality if not promptly treated. The goal of this study was to determine the current success rate of radiologic reduction, the requirements for operative intervention, and the effect of delay in presentation on outcome.
Methods:
Children treated for intussusception over a 15-year period were reviewed after treatment at a tertiary children's hospital. Records were reviewed for patient outcomes from radiologic evaluation and surgical intervention.
Results:
Two hundred forty-four children with intussusception were identified. Median age was 8.2 months (range, 16 days to 12.7 years). Eighty-seven percent of patients had ileocolic or ileoileocolic intussusception. The most common presenting symptoms were emesis (81%), hematochezia (61%), and abdominal pain (59%). Contrasted enemas were performed in 190 children, with successful reduction in 46%. Air-contrasted enema reduction was more successful than liquid-contrasted techniques (54% vs 34%; P = .017). Success in reduction was greater if symptom duration was <24 hours compared with >24 hours (59% vs 36%; P = .001). Despite failed prior attempts at reduction, 48% were reduced on reattempted enema reduction. One hundred forty children required surgical intervention for intussusception with 50% requiring bowel resection. Children with symptom duration >24 hours had a greater risk of requiring surgery (73% vs 45%; P < .001) and bowel resection (39% vs 17%; P = .001) than those with symptoms for <24 hours. Pathologic lead points were encountered in 14%. There were 2 deaths and complications occurred in 19%. Length of stay after surgical reduction was 3.9 days, but 6.1 days if bowel resection was required.
Conclusions:
Success of intussusception reduction is improved with air-contrasted techniques and is not affected by previously failed, outside attempts. Delay in presentation decreases success in radiologic reduction and increases risk of operative intervention and bowel resection.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Inflammatory Bowel Disease V: Surgical Management
Here are some common surgical interventions for IBD:
01:26Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management
Healthcare providers should gather a comprehensive medical history and conduct a physical examination for diagnosis. If esophageal stricture is...
01:29Intestinal Obstruction I: Introduction