A Comparison of Air Reduction and Operation in Childhood Intussusception

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Intussusception is one of the most common cause of childhood intestinal obstructions. Early diagnosis is essential to avoid treatment delays, which can increase morbidity and mortality. METHODS: In order to evaluate the factors contributing to air-reduction failure, we reviewed cases of childhood intussusception admitted via the ER and managed by air enema reduction from 1994 to 1998. They were divided into two groups and compared retrospectively by using medical records. Group I was the operation group after air-reduction failure, and group II was the air-reduction group. RESULTS: In 319 cases (279 patients), group I consisted of 112 cases (110 patients), and group II consisted of 207 cases (169 patients). No differences in age, sex, body weight, location of intussusception, laboratory findings (leukocytosis and thrombocytosis), presence of bloody stool, and body temperature were noted between the two groups. Factors significantly contributing to air-reduction failure were duration of symptoms, type of intussusception and a few physical findings (abdominal distension, palpable mass, lethargy, and vomiting). The recurrence rate of group I was significantly lower than that of group II, and most recurrences developed in the first postoperative month. CONCLUSION: Childhood intussusceptions of a non-ileocolic type with longer durations of symptoms and severe clinical findings have a higher chance of air-reduction failure.