Ileo-colic intussusception; is hydrostatic reduction worth considering till late?

ABSTRACT

To evaluate the success rate of hydrostatic reduction of intussusception and incidence of complications in late presenting cases. Prospective study. Study was carried out in Armed Forces Institute of Radiology and Imaging Rawalpindi and different Combine Military Hospitals during last 5 years. All the children up to 2 years age with diagnosis of ileo-colic intussusception and 3 days or less history of onset of symptoms were included in the study. Patients with signs of perforation, suspicion of lead point or long intussusceptum protruding through rectum were excluded. After plain film evaluation, thin barium was instilled through Foleys catheter under fluoroscopic guidance. Rule of 3 was followed and reduction was considered successful when contrast refluxed into terminal ileal segment. Follow up plain x-ray and ultrasound was done after 48 hours to rule out recurrence. Hydrostatic reduction was successful in 18 out of 21 patients collected during last five years. Reduction was incomplete in one case while perforation was observed in 2 cases. These complications were observed in the largest group [52%] of patients reporting on 3rd day of onset of symptoms. A significant number [38%] of patients reached the hospital within 48 hours. Only 2 [10%] patients presented in first 24 hrs but uneventful reduction was possible in later two groups. Careful hydrostatic reduction in cases of ileo-colic intussusception reporting within 72 hrs will reduce hospital stay and patient morbidity in most of the cases