Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 19, 2026
Laparoscopic Choledochal Cyst Excision and Roux-en-Y Choledochojejunostomy in Adults
Published on: February 28, 2025
Presentation and management outcome of childhood intussusception in Lagos: a prospective study
1Paediatric Surgery Unit, Department of Surgery, College of Medicine University of Lagos/Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria.
Insights
Intussusception in children often presents with delayed diagnosis at primary healthcare centers, leading to high rates of bowel resection and mortality. Early recognition of symptoms by healthcare providers and parents is crucial for improved outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Gastroenterology
- Public Health
Background:
- Intussusception is a leading cause of bowel obstruction in infants and children.
- Developed countries have significantly reduced intussusception's impact through early diagnosis and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document the clinical presentation, management strategies, and treatment outcomes of intussusception cases at Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH).
Main Methods:
- A prospective study of 174 consecutive pediatric intussusception cases over five years at LUTH.
- Data collected included symptoms, signs, pre-hospital care, in-hospital treatment, and patient outcomes.
Main Results:
- The classic triad (abdominal pain, bloody stools, abdominal mass) was present in 61% of cases.
- A significant majority (77.6%) received prolonged pre-referral treatment, contributing to a 70.4% bowel resection rate.
- High rates of complications including wound infection (36.1%) and a 12.1% overall mortality were observed.
Conclusions:
- Primary healthcare workers in Lagos frequently miss early intussusception symptoms, resulting in high morbidity and mortality.
- Public awareness campaigns and re-education of frontline healthcare providers on early symptom recognition are urgently needed.
Background:
Intussusception is the commonest cause of bowel obstruction in infancy and childhood. Early diagnosis and effective management have reduced its morbidity and mortality in developed countries.
Aim:
To document the presentation, management and treatment outcome of intussusceptions at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH).
Patients And Methods:
One hundred seventy-four consecutive cases of this condition seen in children presenting at LUTH over a 5-year period were prospectively studied. Details of symptoms and signs, pre-hospital care, treatment, and outcome in LUTH were documented.
Results:
The triad of abdominal pain, bloody mucoid stools and palpable abdominal mass was seen in 106 (61%) of the cases. One hundred thirty-five (77.6%) had been admitted and treated with antibiotics and intravenous fluids in primary healthcare centers for an average of 3 days before referral to the LUTH. Prolonged mean duration of recognizable symptoms of 3 days accounted for a 70.4% bowel resection rate. Wound infection occurred in 61 (36.1%), whereas fecal fistulae developed in six (3.6%), and burst abdomen in five (3%) of cases. Seven (4.1%) patients developed incisional herniae. Overall, mortality rate was 12.1%.
Conclusion:
The early symptoms of intussusception would seem to be missed by primary healthcare workers in Lagos, with consequently high morbidity and mortality. There is an urgent need to re-emphasize these symptoms to first-line healthcare providers and parents through public enlightenment campaigns.
Related Concept Videos
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...
01:29Appendicitis-II: Diagnostic Studies and Management
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...
01:28Esophageal Perforation-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
Clinical Manifestations:
01:28Esophageal Varices-II: Clinical Features and Management
In the initial assessment, a thorough review of the patient's medical history is vital to identify risk factors such as liver disease, alcohol abuse, or...
01:29Intestinal Obstruction I: Introduction
01:30Esophageal Strictures-I: Introduction
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...