Acute intussusception: referral in relation to presentation and aetiology

A study of 42 consecutive children with acute intussusception was undertaken. The emphasis was on the time taken for surgical referral in relation to the presenting symptom. Operative findings and outcome revealed late referral (greater than 72 h) in cases presenting with diarrhoea and bleeding per rectum. A higher incidence of gangrenous gut and irreducibility of intussusception was found in the ileoileal variety of intussusception. Some interesting facts about the aetiology have also been noted. Rupture of intussuscipiens was also encountered.