ABSTRACT
The authors review their experience with 23 children over one year of age who presented with intussusception. Idiopathic ileo-colic intussusception was the most frequent variety in children between 1-2 years of age [n=10], but in older children, there was a high incidence of ileo-ileal intussusception resulting from a pathological lead point. Intussusception was secondary to Henoch-Schonlein purpura in 5 patients, Meckel's diverticulum in 2 patients and cystic fibrosis, Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, duplication cyst and lymphoma in one patient each. Two patients developed post-operative intussusception after abdominal surgery. Ultrasound scan was the most helpful diagnostic investigation for initial screening. While hydrostatic reduction was generally successful in those with idiopathic ileocolic variety, a majority of children with intussusception secondary to a lead point required operative intervention and bowel resection. The likelihood of an underlying pathological lesion must always be considered in older children with intussusception. As the clinical presentation may be atypical, a high index of suspicion, prompt diagnosis and appropriate management are crucial to avoid the high mortality and morbidity associated with unrecognised bowel obstruction