Glucagon-aided reduction of intussusception

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Gastroenterology
• Radiology

Background:

• Intussusception is a common surgical emergency in children.
• Nonoperative reduction, typically via barium enema, is the standard treatment.
• Failure of initial reduction attempts can necessitate alternative strategies.

Observation:

• Two pediatric patients with ileocolic intussusception underwent attempted reduction.
• Standard therapeutic barium enema failed to achieve reduction in both cases.
• Intramuscular glucagon was administered prior to a repeat barium enema.

Findings:

• Glucagon administration facilitated successful reduction of intussusception in both patients.
• The combination of glucagon and repeat barium enema proved effective.
• This approach offers a potential adjunct to standard nonoperative reduction.

Implications:

• Intramuscular glucagon may enhance the success rate of nonoperative intussusception reduction.
• This method could be considered when initial barium enema reduction fails.
• Further research is warranted to validate glucagon's role in intussusception management.