Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 19, 2026
Tertiary Healthcare System
Intussusception: A 14-year experience at a UK tertiary referral centre
Meraj N Ondhia1, Yousef Al-Mutawa1, Srikrishna Harave2
1Institute of Child Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom.
Insights
This UK study of pediatric intussusception found a 66% success rate for non-operative air enema reduction, aligning with national guidelines. Outcomes included a low complication rate and no mortality over 14 years.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Gastroenterology
- Radiology
Background:
- Intussusception is the most common cause of acute intestinal obstruction in infants.
- Fluoroscopy-guided air enema reduction is the primary management for uncomplicated cases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report on the management and outcomes of intussusception in children over a 14-year period at a single UK tertiary referral center.
- To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of fluoroscopy-guided air enema reduction.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 290 intussusception cases (ICD 10-code K56.1) from 2004 to 2017.
- Data included patient demographics, clinical presentation, treatment modalities, complications, and outcomes.
- Level of evidence: III.
Main Results:
- A 66% success rate was achieved with air enema reduction in 196 cases.
- Complications from air enema reduction were rare (0.5% perforation).
- Operative management was required in 48% of cases, with 47% of those needing bowel resection. No deaths occurred.
Conclusions:
- The study highlights one of the largest single-center UK experiences in pediatric intussusception management.
- A 66% success rate for non-operative reduction aligns with British Society Pediatric Radiology recommendations.
- Outcomes demonstrate a low complication rate and no mortality, supporting air enema reduction as a safe and effective primary treatment.
Aims:
Intussusception is the most common cause of acute intestinal obstruction in infants. First line management in uncomplicated cases at our centre is fluoroscopy guided air enema reduction. This study reports a 14 year UK single centre experience highlighting management and outcomes of intussusception in children.
Methods:
All cases of intussusception (ICD 10-code K56.1) at a single tertiary referral centre from 2004 to 2017 were analyzed. Data evaluated included patient demographics, clinical presentation, treatment modality(s), complications and outcome(s).
Results:
Two hundred ninety confirmed cases (69% male) of intussusception were identified during the study period. The median age at presentation was 9.5 months (range 4 days-15 years). One hundred eighty-six (64%) cases occurred in children who were transferred to Alder Hey from peripheral district hospitals. One hundred ninety-six cases (68%) proceeded directly to air enema reduction and successful reduction was achieved in 129 cases (66%). A single case (0.5%) of attempted air enema reduction was complicated by perforation. Early recurrence rate following air enema reduction was 9%. Operative management was indicated in 140 (48%) cases of which 66 required bowel resection (47%). There were no deaths.
Conclusions:
We highlight one of the largest single centre UK studies defining practice outcomes for intussusception across the British Isles. Our centre has achieved a 66% success rate of non-operative reduction over 14 years in line with the British Society Pediatric Radiology (BSPR) recommendations and within 5% of the national median metric (71%). Moreover these outcomes were achieved with a very low complication rate (0.5%) from air enema reduction and no mortality in the series.
Type Of Study:
Retrospective study.
Level Of Evidence:
III.
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