Clinical outcomes following bowel resection versus reduction of intussusception

Intussusception is most commonly managed with air-contrast reduction. However, when this fails, emergent operation with resection or manual reduction is indicated. It is not known if there are advantages to resection compared with manual reduction.

A retrospective review of all patients receiving operative care for intussusception from February 2000 to December 2011. Patients undergoing intestinal resection were compared with those treated with manual reduction alone.

Of 111 patients, 49 underwent resection and 62 underwent manual reduction. Mean (±SD) time to oral intake favored manual reduction (2.1 ± 1.2 versus 2.6 ± 1.2 d, respectively, P=0.05). Manual reduction was associated with a greater need for repeat imaging (47% versus 18%, P=0.002) and the only recurrences were with manual reduction (8% versus 0%, P=0.1). Mean duration of stay was no different (P=0.36), nor was the need for reoperation (P=0.9).

Patients undergoing manual reduction have an increased number of radiographic imaging procedures. The surgeon should have a low threshold for resection for intussusceptions requiring operative management.