Sonographically guided hydrostatic reduction of childhood intussusception using Hartmann's solution

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Radiology
• Gastrointestinal Imaging
• Interventional Ultrasound

Background:

• Standard intussusception reduction methods expose children to significant ionizing radiation.
• There is a need for safer, effective, and non-ionizing reduction techniques for pediatric intussusception.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of sonographically guided hydrostatic reduction of intussusception using Hartmann's solution.
• To assess Hartmann's solution as a safe and effective fluid for hydrostatic reduction.

Main Methods:

• Children with suspected intussusception underwent sonography and confirmatory meglumine diatrizoate enema.
• Sonographically guided hydrostatic reduction was attempted using Hartmann's solution under continuous sonographic monitoring.
• Successful reduction was confirmed by the disappearance of the intussusceptum and passage of fluid, verified by a repeat sonogram and meglumine diatrizoate enema.

Main Results:

• Twenty-five intussusceptions were identified in 22 pediatric patients.
• The sonographically guided hydrostatic reduction achieved a 76% success rate (19 of 25 cases).
• No complications were observed during the reduction procedures; unsuccessful cases proceeded to surgery.

Conclusions:

• Sonographically guided hydrostatic reduction with Hartmann's solution is an effective treatment for ileocolic intussusception.
• This technique also aids in the diagnosis of ileoileocolic intussusception.
• The method provides a valuable, radiation-free alternative for pediatric intussusception management.