[Intraoperative spasmolysis with glucagon in an irreducible invagination]

We present 4 cases in which atraumatic reduction of an intussusception was achieved only after intraoperative intravenous administration of Glucagon. Because of this observation all our cases of the past 10 years with intussusceptions where bowel resection was necessary, were reviewed. Intraoperative macroscopic and histological findings revealed that bowel resections were not only necessary because of necrosis but also because of bowel wall lesions caused by traumatic reduction or the impossibility to reduce the intussusception. This aspect and the successful use of Glucagon during operation demonstrate that Glucagon should be administered wherever atraumatic surgical reduction of intussusception is not possible. This procedure may contribute to avoid unnecessary bowel resections.