Comparison of outcomes following radiological reduction of intussusception with or without sedation

Non-operative radiological reduction (NORR) is usually the first line treatment in pediatric ileo-colic intussusception. The aim of our study was to compare outcomes of NORR with or without sedation.

All patients undergoing to contrast enema NORR for intussusception between 01.01.2015 to 31.12.2020 in two hospitals were included: in one centre patients were sedated (A) while in the other patients were awake (B). Primary outcome was the rate of radiological reduction. Secondary outcomes were length-of-stay, complications and recurrence rate.

Seventy-seven and 49 patients were included in group A and B respectively. Successful reduction rate was 72.7% in group A and 61.2% in group B (P>0.05). There were no complications related to the procedure among the 2 groups. Adverse events to sedation were observed in 3 patients.

NORR has similar success rate when performed under sedation or awake, despite the former being graved by additional anesthesiologic risks and thus warrant careful indications.