Intususception in infancy and childhood: an analysis of 69 cases

A retrospective study of 69 cases of intususception treated at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt in the past seven years from October, 1985 to September, 1992 is presented. The diagnosis was made clinically and confirmed at operation. Fifty (72.5%) of the 69 patients belonged to the three to nine month age group. There was a male preponderance; male to female ratio 3.6:1. The classic triad of abdominal pain, rectal bleeding and abdominal mass occurred in only 11 patients (15.9%). All 69 patients had laparotomy as reduction using barium enema was not attempted. Of the 35 patients who required resection 27 (77.1%) had gangrenous bowel and 2 (2.8%) had perforation as well. Mortality was 11.6%. The high mortality rate appears to be related to the long interval between onset of symptoms and commencement of definitive treatment.