Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 27, 2026
Clinical Application of Single-Surgeon, Three-Port, Laparoscopic Resection for Colorectal Cancer with Natural Orifice Specimen Extraction
Published on: March 24, 2023
Laparoscopic versus open reduction of intussusception in children: a retrospective review and meta-analysis
Cindy M Sklar1, Emily Chan, Ahmed Nasr
1Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, University of Ottawa , Ottawa, Ontario, Canada .
Insights
Laparoscopic (LAP) reduction is a safe alternative for pediatric intussusception when pneumatic reduction fails. This approach may offer a shorter hospital stay compared to open surgery.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Gastrointestinal Surgery
- Minimally Invasive Surgery
Background:
- Intestinal intussusception is a common cause of bowel obstruction in children.
- Pneumatic reduction is the initial treatment, with operative reduction indicated if it fails.
- There is ongoing debate regarding the efficacy of laparoscopic versus open surgical approaches for intussusception reduction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the outcomes of laparoscopic (LAP) versus open operative reduction for pediatric intussusception.
- To evaluate operative time, complication rates, and length of hospital stay.
- To combine institutional data with published literature through meta-analysis.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 28 children undergoing operative reduction for intussusception (2000-2012).
- Comparison of 5 patients who underwent LAP reduction with 23 patients who underwent open reduction.
- Meta-analysis of 5 additional retrospective studies comparing LAP and open techniques.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in operative times or overall complication rates between LAP and open groups.
- Mean length of hospital stay was similar in the initial patient cohort.
- Meta-analysis indicated a significantly shorter length of hospital stay in the LAP group compared to the open group.
Conclusions:
- Laparoscopic reduction is a safe and feasible alternative for pediatric intussusception requiring surgery.
- The laparoscopic approach may be associated with a reduced length of hospital stay.
Background:
Intestinal intussusception is a frequent cause of bowel obstruction in children. Initial treatment involves pneumatic reduction. If this fails, operative reduction is indicated. There is controversy regarding use of the laparoscopic (LAP) versus the conventional open approach.
Patients And Methods:
We performed a retrospective review of all children with intussusception who required operative reduction at our institution over a 12-year time period. We also performed a meta-analysis to combine our data with the published literature.
Results:
We identified 28 patients requiring operative intervention for reduction of intussusception between January 2000 and April 2012. Five patients underwent LAP reduction, and 23 patients underwent open reduction. Operative times were not statistically different. The rate of overall complications was not statistically different, with 1 of 5 (20%) and 7 of 23 (30%) having complications in the LAP and open groups, respectively. Mean length of stay was 3.8±2.1 days in both the LAP and open groups, with no significant difference. Our meta-analysis identified five retrospective studies comparing LAP and open techniques for reduction of intussusception. We did not find a significant difference between groups with respect to operative time, overall complication rates, or re-operation rates. However, the length of hospital stay was significantly longer in the open group.
Conclusions:
LAP reduction of intussusception is a safe and feasible alternative to the open approach. Length of stay may be shorter in the LAP group.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Endoscopic Procedures IV: Sigmoidoscopy and Laproscopy
Sigmoidoscopy
Sigmoidoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that uses a flexible sigmoidoscope equipped with a light source and camera to examine the rectum and sigmoid colon. The procedure involves inserting the tube through the anus...
01:21Inflammatory Bowel Disease V: Surgical Management
Here are some common surgical interventions for IBD: