Laparoscopic treatment of intussusception in children: a systematic review

Nadja Apelt1, Neil Featherstone, Stefano Giuliani

  • 1Kinderchirurgische Klinik, Dr. von Haunersches Kinderspital, Munich, Germany.

Insights

Laparoscopic surgery is a safe and effective primary treatment for pediatric intussusception, offering a shorter hospital stay compared to open surgery. This minimally invasive approach is recommended for specialized pediatric centers.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Minimally Invasive Surgery
  • Gastrointestinal Surgery

Background:

  • Idiopathic intussusception is a leading cause of small bowel obstruction in children.
  • Laparotomy is the standard surgical treatment after failed radiological reduction.
  • The role of minimally invasive surgery in pediatric intussusception remains debated.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of laparoscopy for pediatric intussusception.
  • To determine if laparoscopy should be the primary surgical technique.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review of publications from January 1990 to April 2012.
  • Analysis of laparoscopic treatment for pediatric intussusception.
  • Key variables included success rate, conversion reasons, complications, and length of stay.

Main Results:

  • A 71.0% laparoscopic success rate was observed across 276 cases.
  • Low rates of intraoperative (0.4%) and postoperative (2.9%) complications.
  • Shorter mean length of stay for laparoscopic vs. open reduction (4.0 vs. 7.1 days).

Conclusions:

  • Laparoscopy is a safe and effective primary surgical technique for pediatric intussusception.
  • Tertiary centers should consider adopting laparoscopy for this condition.
  • Minimally invasive skills are crucial for successful laparoscopic reduction.
Abstract

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