ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the advantages of a laparoscopic technique for the treatment of intussusception in children with repeated hydrostatic reduction failure. METHODS: Between April 2001 and March 2002, twenty one children with intussusception were treated. Eleven patients, with repeated barium reduction failure, underwent a laparoscopic reduction. The type of intussusception, operative time, postoperative hospital stay, and conversion rate, were prospectively examined. RESULTS: The laparoscopic reduction was successful in 8 patients (72.7%), with a conversion to an open procedure occurring in 3 (27.3%). In the 8 successful laparoscopic reduction cases, the average operative time and postoperative hospital stay were 66 minutes and 3 days, respectively. Seven cases were of the ileo-colic type of intussusception and remaining one was of the ileo-ileo-colic type. There were no mortalities or intraoperative complications. CONCLUSION: Intussusception in number of children with hydrostatic reduction failure could be reduced with the laparoscopic technique. The laparoscopic procedure for intussusception was safe and resulted in the avoidance of open surgery.