Exclusion criteria and outcome in pressure reduction of intussusception

Experience of 53 episodes of intussusception was examined to compare the observed success rate of pressure reduction with potential outcome had stricter exclusion criteria been applied (history > 24 hours, presence of rectal bleeding, radiological signs of intestinal obstruction). With stricter criteria 25 avoidable laparotomies would have been performed. Most infants can be cured of intussusception by pressure reduction and though some must be excluded this decision should be based on clinical assessment by those experienced in its management. Pressure reduction should not be attempted in the absence of a surgeon with regular experience of intussusception.