John Caffey Award. Intussusception reduction in children by rectal insufflation of air

Air was used as the contrast medium for colonic studies in 282 patients with suspected intussusception. Intussusception was documented in 118 of these patients (42%), and reduction was achieved in 89 (75%) of those 118. Twenty-nine patients, in whom the intussusception could not be reduced with air, underwent surgery. Seven of these patients required surgical resection of devitalized bowel. In seven others, the intussusception was reduced by the surgeon with difficulty; in 12, surgical reduction was achieved easily. Three perforations occurred with the use of air. These patients were treated surgically without sequelae. This pilot study of 282 patients suggests that air is a safe substitute for hydrostatic reduction of intussusception.