Intussusception: influence of age on reducibility

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Gastroenterology
• Radiology

Background:

• Intussusception is a common surgical emergency in infants.
• Hydrostatic reduction using barium enema is a primary treatment modality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the efficacy and safety of hydrostatic reduction for intussusception.
• To evaluate success rates across different age groups.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 129 patients diagnosed with intussusception.
• Analysis of 115 attempted hydrostatic reductions over seven years.

Main Results:

• Overall success rate for hydrostatic reduction was 55% (63 out of 115 attempts).
• Success rate was significantly lower in infants aged 3 months and younger (20%) compared to older children (60%).

Conclusions:

• Hydrostatic reduction is moderately successful for intussusception.
• A reappraisal of hydrostatic reduction in infants under three months is recommended due to lower success rates and potential risks.