Sonographic guided hydrostatic saline enema reduction of childhood intussusception: a prospective study

Clinical manifestation and treatment of intussusception in children aged 3 months and under : a single centre analysis of 38 cases

BACKGROUND

Intussusception is the leading cause of acute abdominal conditions in infants, yet it is frequently under-recognised in those younger than 3 months, potentially resulting in serious complications such as bowel necrosis, peritonitis, or even death if not promptly treated. This retrospective study aims to enhance clinicians' understanding of the diagnosis and management of acute intussusception in this age group to prevent poor prognosis.

METHODS

The clinical data of 38 infants aged ≤ 3 months diagnosed with intussusception at Wuhan Children's Hospital between January 2013 and July 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were categorized into two groups based on the outcome of nonoperative reduction: the successful group and the failed group. The study examined demographic characteristics, clinical presentations, imaging findings, treatment modalities, and outcomes to identify patterns and evaluate the effectiveness of diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.

RESULTS

During the study period, 12,206 children were diagnosed with intussusception, including 38 (0.31%) infants aged 3 months or younger (mean age: 73.6 days; 20 males and 18 females). The most frequently reported symptoms were vomiting (36 cases), bloody stool (27 cases), and intermittent crying (18 cases). Ultrasonography (USG) confirmed the diagnosis in 97.4% of cases. A total of 27 (71.1%) infants treated with enema reduction, with a success rate of 48.1% (13/27). Enema-related perforation occurred in 2 cases (7.4%). An additional 11 cases (28.9%) proceeded directly to laparotomy, with 5 (15.8%) diagnosed as secondary intussusception. Bowel resection was necessary in 6 of the 25 surgical cases due to necrosis. Each infant responded well to treatment and was discharged in stable condition.

CONCLUSIONS

The clinical manifestations of intussusception in infants aged 3 months and below are sometimes atypical. Early USG should be performed to make a clear diagnosis, and the effect of early intervention is satisfactory. In infants with good general condition, enema reduction can be attempted first with appropriate pressure monitoring to avoid bowel perforation.

Recurrent Ileocolic Intussusception in Children: A Scoping Review

Background: Intussusception is the most common cause of acute intestinal obstruction in children. It can be initial idiopathic intussusception or a recurrent intussusception (RI), and in this latter case, there is not a validated algorithm for optimal treatment. The aim of the study is to review the international literature to evaluate the incidence of RI, to determine the rates of surgical intervention and pathological leading point (PLP), and to define the most appropriate management for children with RI. We included English-written papers with pediatric population, excluding case reports, papers with adult or mixed cases, studies focusing on ileo-ileal or colo-colic intussusception, meta-analysis studies, or papers with unclear or replaced data. Results: A total number of 23 articles were included for a total of 26,731 patients affected by intussusception and 3164 recurrent patients (11.8%). The number of attempts of nonsurgical reduction ranged from 3 to 10 (median 5). On 2965 RI, 358 underwent surgery (12.1%). A pathologic leading point was found in 99 patients (3.95%). Conclusions: The presence of a PLP does not seem to be associated with the recurrence of intussusception. More than 85% of RI underwent successful nonsurgical management. RI should be safely approached in the same way as primary intussusception, and surgery should be reserved to cases where a PLP has been suspected. In cases of multiple episodes, surgery can be considered an effective way to avoid recurrences, and this possibility should be discussed with parents.

Comparison of Ultrasound Guided Saline Enema and X-ray-Guided Air Enema in the Treatment of Intussusception Reduction in Children

ABSTRACT

To compare the effect of ultrasound guided saline enema (USGSE) and x-ray fluoroscopic air enema in the reduction of intussusception in children, 80 children with intussusception were randomly divided into ultrasonic-guided saline enema reduction in 40 cases (USGSE group) and x-ray air enema reduction in 40 cases (air enema group). The enema pressure, success rate, average time, and cost of the 2 methods were compared. The average operation time of the USGSE group was lower than that of the air group ([5.35 ± 1.79] min vs [6.03 ± 2.41] min, P = 0.159), the average pressure of the air group was higher than that of the air group ([10.95 ± 1.54] kPa vs [9.6 ± 1.26] kPa; P < 0.001), the success rate of resetting was higher than that of the air group (87.5% vs 85.0%; P = 0.745), and the cost of USGSE was lower than that of the air group ([339.23 ± 10.73] yuan vs [378.23 ± 18.20] yuan, P < 0.001). Subgroup analysis showed that the success rate of enema treatment in children with onset time <48 hours was significantly higher than that in children with onset time ≥48 hours (98.30% vs 54.50%, continuous correction χ 2 = 22.16; P < 0.001). The success rate and operation time of USGSE in pediatric intussusception reduction are similar to that of air enema, and the advantages of low cost and no radiation are worthy of popularization. For children with onset time ≥48 hours, enema reduction is safe and effective, but the conversion rate to open is high. It is necessary to carefully identify the symptoms of intestinal perforation and necrosis on the basis of strictly following the indications to avoid delayed treatment.

Risk factors and predictive models for early recurrent intussusception in children: a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Early recurrent intussusception (ERI) in children is common and seriously affects the physical and mental health of the children. There are few reports discussing risk factors for ERI in children, and this study aims to identify risk factors for ERI in children and build predictive models.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study of 787 children with no relapse intussusception (NRI) and 82 children with ERI between January 2011 and December 2021. Univariate and multifactorial stepwise logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the correlation between 11 factors and ERI, to determine the independent risk factors for ERI in children. The prediction model was established by independent risk factors and then verified.

RESULTS

Age, vomiting, bloody stools, and monocyte ratios were independently correlated with the composite endpoint (P<0.05). A nomogram was constructed and a calibration curve was plotted, using independent risk factors. Based on the disease's diagnostic score, the predictive model's performance was validated by using logistic regression receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve detection, with area under the curve (AUC) value of 0.883 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.846-0.920], and the calibration curve was close to the ideal diagonal line. In addition, the decision curve analysis (DCA) showed that the model had significant net benefits.

CONCLUSIONS

Independent risk factors for ERI in children are age, vomiting, bloody stool, and monocyte ratio. Children older than 1 year in age, who lacked vomiting and bloody stool symptoms, and who exhibited an elevated ratio of monocytes were more likely to relapse early. The predictive model constructed herein can predict the early recurrence of children with ERI, providing a reference for clinicians' individualized judgments.

Developing a nomogram for predicting surgical intervention in pediatric intussusception after hydrostatic reduction

Purpose

The aim of this study was to develop and validate a nomogram for predicting surgical intervention in pediatric intussusception after hydrostatic reduction.

Methods

Children with intussusception who had treated with sonographically guided saline hydrostatic reduction as an initial treatment were enrolled in this study. The enrolled patients were randomly selected for training and validation sets, and the split ratio was 7:3. The medical records of enrolled patients were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were divided into a surgery and a non-surgery group according to the results of the nonsurgical reduction. A model for predicting the risk of surgical treatment was virtualized by the nomogram using logistic regression analysis.

Results

The training set consisted of 139 patients and the validation set included 74. After logistic regression analysis using training set, duration of symptoms, bloody stools, white blood cells (WBCs), creatine kinase isoenzyme (CK-MB), long-axis diameter, poor prognostic signs by ultrasound and mental state were identified as the independent predictors of surgical intervention for intussusception. A model that incorporated the above independent predictors was developed and presented as a nomogram. The C-index of the nomogram in the validation set was 0.948 (95% CI, 0.888-1.000). The calibration curve demonstrated a good agreement between prediction and observation. The decision curve analysis (DCA) curve showed that the model achieved a net benefit across all threshold probabilities.

Conclusion

Based on the predictors of duration of symptoms, bloody stools, WBCs, CK-MB, long-axis diameter, poor prognostic signs by ultrasound and mental state, we developed a nomogram for predicting surgical intervention after hydrostatic reduction. This nomogram could be applied directly to facilitate pre-surgery decision for pediatric intussusception.

Is enema reduction in pediatric intussusception with a history of over 48 h safe: A retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Intussusception is one of the most common acute abdominal diseases in children. Enema reduction is the first-line treatment for intussusception in good condition. Clinically, a history of disease over 48 h is usually listed as a contraindication for enema reduction. However, with the development of clinical experience and therapy, an increasing number of cases have shown that the prolongation of the clinical course of intussusception in children is not an absolute contraindication for enema treatment. This study aimed to analyze the safety and efficacy of enema reduction in children with a history of disease longer than 48 h.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective matched-pair cohort study of pediatric patients with acute intussusception between 2017 and 2021. All patients were treated with ultrasound-guided hydrostatic enema reduction. According to the length of history, the cases were classified into two groups: history <48 h (<48 h group) and history greater than or equal to 48 h (≧48 h group). We generated a 1:1 matched-pair cohort matched for sex, age, admission time, main symptoms, and concentric circle size on ultrasound. Clinical outcomes were compared between the two groups, including success, recurrence, and perforation rates.

RESULTS

From January 2016 to November 2021, 2701 patients with intussusception were admitted to the Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University. A total of 494 cases were included in the ≧48 h group, and 494 cases with a history of <48 h were selected for matched comparison in the <48 h group. The success rates of the ≧48 h and <48 h groups were 98.18% vs. 97.37% (p = 0.388), and the recurrence rates were 13.36% vs. 11.94% (p = 0.635), showing no difference according to the length of history. The perforation rate was 0.61% vs. 0%, respectively, with no significant difference (p = 0.247).The comparison of the different history groups showed that in patients with bloody stools, the length of history had no significant effect on the enema reduction outcome(94.90% vs. 86.76%, p = 0.064).

CONCLUSIONS

Ultrasound-guided hydrostatic enema reduction is safe and effective for pediatric idiopathic intussusception with a history of ≧48 h.

Prediction of Outcomes of Ultrasound-Guided Saline Enema in the Treatment of Pediatric Intussusception: A Retrospective Case-Control Study

OBJECTIVES

Outcomes of ultrasound-guided saline enema include successful treatment, unsuccessful treatment, or recurrence. This study aimed to investigate the value of ultrasonic parameters of the ileocecal region during hydrostatic reduction to predict enema outcomes.

METHODS

Ultrasound images of patients diagnosed with ileocolic intussusception and treated with ultrasound-guided saline enema at two different institutions between January 2019 and April 2021 were retrospectively analyzed to assess ileocecal-valve diameter (ICVD), intussusceptum thickness (IT), and the ratio of IT to ICVD (I/I). Logistic regression analysis was used to explore correlations between ICVD, IT, I/I, and patient characteristics (sex, age, symptom duration, and enema outcome).

RESULTS

Of 291 patients with ileocolic intussusception (207 boys; mean ICVD, 8.6 [SD: 0.1] mm; mean IT, 26 [SD: 0.2] mm; mean I/I, 3.0 [SD: 0.01]), 268 had first successful reduction; 23, first failed reduction; 7, final failed reduction; and 41, early recurrence. Significant risk factors for failed reduction included symptom duration >24 hours (odds ratio [OR] = 10, P = .012), ICVD ≤ 8.5 mm (OR = 8, P = .01), and I/I > 3.25 (OR = 16, P < .001). Significant risk factors for early recurrence post-enema included age >1 year (OR = 10, P = .028), ICVD > 8.5 mm (OR = 4, P = .003), and I/I ≤ 2.95 (OR = 6, P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

ICVD and IT measured during ultrasound-guided hydrostatic reduction can predict enema outcomes. The mismatch between IT and ICVD is the primary cause of poor outcomes.

A Technique to Reduce the Early Recurrence of Intussusception in Ultrasound-Guided Hydrostatic Reduction

OBJECTIVES

Ultrasound-guided saline enema is highly successful in treating pediatric intussusception; however, early recurrence-within 48 hours-is possible. This study aimed to explore effective methods of reducing early recurrence.

METHODS

This study included patients aged 0 to 14 years diagnosed with ileocolic intussusception with a symptom duration of <48 hours from January 2019 to March 2021. The patients were divided into control and intervention groups. All patients received successful treatment with ultrasound-guided saline enema; however, in patients treated before January 4, 2020 (control group), the intestinal fluid was drained immediately, and in patients treated after January 4, 2020 (intervention group), the intestinal fluid was drained after 15 minutes of intestinal pressure maintenance. Early recurrence rates of the groups were compared.

RESULTS

Ileocolic intussusception was treated successfully by ultrasound-guided saline enema in 231 patients (116, control group;115, intervention group). The early recurrence rate in the intervention group (10%; 95% CI: 4.9-16.5) was numerically lower than that in the control group (19%; 95% CI: 12.3-27.3). No significant difference was observed in the number of recurrences per person between the groups (P = .448). Patients without early recurrence were older (P = .004) and received enemas of a shorter duration (P < .001) and lower pressure (P < .001) than patients without early recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

Maintaining reduction pressure for 15 minutes after a successful ultrasound-guided saline enema may reduce the early recurrence of intussusception. A randomized controlled trial is needed because the intervention and control cohorts were most probably incomparable (due to the COVID-19 pandemic).

Noninvasive hydrostatic reduction of an ileocecocolic intussusception in a puppy

A 5-week-old male intact Golden Retriever puppy was presented for a history of vomiting and diarrhea with hematochezia. Ultrasound findings confirmed the presence of an ileocecocolic intussusception. Surgical correction was declined because of financial concerns. Based on a pediatric procedure used in humans, an ultrasound-guided hydrostatic reduction (USGHR) was performed. This procedure consisted in injecting saline rectally under controlled pressure to mechanically reduce the intussusception. Reduction of the intussusception and evaluation of potential complications were concurrently evaluated by ultrasound during the procedure. No recurrence was observed the next day and the puppy was discharged. Follow-up indicated that the dog was still doing well 6 months later. This case report describes a new technique in veterinary medicine allowing successful nonsurgical reduction of an ileocecocolic intussusception in a dog. This procedure is innovative, simple, and substantially decreases the cost and minimizes morbidity potentially associated with surgical management.

Process Management of Intussusception in Children: A Retrospective Analysis in China

OBJECTIVES

This was a retrospective analysis of the epidemiological features of pediatric intussusception, the effects of different management strategies and the factors affecting successful reduction.

METHODS

Using our hospital database, data on pediatric intussusception from January 2019 to December 2020 were extracted for analysis, including demographic data, size of intussusception, treatment method, and effects.

RESULTS

The number of children diagnosed with intussusception was 726 (782 episodes). In all, 394 (54.27%) of these children were male. The male to female ratio was 1.19:1. The peak of the onset age was between 3 and 4 years. In the single intussusception group, the successful reduction rate of cleansing enemas was 65.25%, that of air enemas was 95.80%, and that of B-ultrasound-guided hydrostatic enemas (B-USGHEs) was 96.04%. In the multiple intussusceptions group, the successful reduction rate of cleansing enemas was 43.9%, air enemas were 75%, and B-USGHE was 57.6%. There were no significant differences between the air enema and B-USGHE groups. The diameter and length were related factors influencing successful reduction (P ≤ 0.05). Fifty-three (7.53%) children had recurrent intussusception within 4 years, and all of them were following successful enemas. Thirty-one (3.40%) episodes were found to have spontaneously reduced. Five patients (0.7%) underwent surgery after the failure of air enemas or B-USGHE.

CONCLUSIONS

Pediatric intussusception in our region showed a sex ratio difference and age difference of onset. For single intussusceptions and multiple intussusceptions, the successful reduction rate of cleansing enemas means that some children may avoid radiation exposure. The diameter and length of intussusception were related factors influencing successful reduction in cleansing enema. There were no significant differences in successful reduction between air enemas and B-USGHE. Most recurrent intussusceptions can still be reduced, avoiding surgery.

Shear wave elastography evaluation in predicting the success of ultrasound-guided saline enema hydrostatic reduction technique in ileocolic intussusception

BACKGROUND

Intussusception is the invagination of the proximal intestinal segment into the distal portion. Reduction procedures with fluid or air have been used as the primary treatment of choice in clinically stable children.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the role of intestinal wall elasticity measurements by shear wave elastography (SWE) to predict the success of ultrasound-guided saline enema (USGSE) reduction.

METHODS

USGSE was performed, if not contraindicated otherwise, after the diagnosis of ileocecal intussusception via the ultrasound (US). The length and diameter of the intussusception and the median stiffness of the intestine were measured before USGSE.

RESULTS

Seventeen children were diagnosed with ileocolic intussusception via grayscale US assessment. Two children whose SWE images became artifacts due to inadaptability were excluded from the study. Thus, the study involved 15 patients (9 boys, 6 girls; age range = 11-48 months). There was no statistically significant association between age and median stiffness measurement in kilopascal (kPa). (P > 0.05). A moderate positive correlation was observed between the median stiffness measurement (kPa) and the length of intussusception (r = 0.547; P = 0.035). There was no statistically significant relationship between median stiffness measurement (kPa) and short-axis diameter of intussusception (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Stiffness assessment of the intestinal wall in ileocolic intussusception during the US examination, which is the gold standard in the intussusception assessment, can be used as a new criterion for predicting the performance of the USGSE technique and might be useful in making decisions regarding the clinical management of ileocolic intussusception.

Unsuspecting Lead Points Causing Nonobstructing Intussusceptions in Pediatric Patients Presenting with Chronic Pain Abdomen

Intussusception is one of the common causes of bowel obstruction in pediatric age group and is of idiopathic variety in most of the cases. Nonobstructing intussusception presenting with nonspecific symptoms (or chronic pain abdomen) is rare and usually clinically misdiagnosed/difficult to diagnose. The authors present a pictorial review of 10 cases of pediatric nonobstructing intussusception presenting with acute/chronic abdominal pain which were not suspected clinically but diagnosed with a pathologic lead point radiologically.

The Syringe Technique for Ultrasound-Guided Hydrostatic Intussusception Reduction

BACKGROUND

Ultrasound-guided hydrostatic reduction (UGHR) is a well accepted and widely used method of paediatric intussusception reduction, with the saline drip technique being the most commonly employed.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

In this study we aimed to assess the outcomes of a novel technique of UGHR.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data was obtained from a 15 year retrospective chart review of paediatric intussusceptions. Following resuscitation, UGHR was performed for uncomplicated intussusceptions using a 50cc syringe to infuse saline into the colon. It was performed in the ultrasound suite without sedation and time taken was monitored. A maximum of 3 attempts were done to achieve reduction.

RESULTS

UGHR was attempted in 66 of 93 intussusceptions. The commonest type of intussusception was ileo-colic(91%) and the commonest symptom was vomiting(70%). Surgery was performed only when there was shock, peritonitis or repeated failed reductions. The median time taken for reduction was 4.9 minutes. The overall success rate was 83% with 89% of these requiring only a single attempt. There were no deaths or procedure related complications.

CONCLUSIONS

The syringe technique for intussusception reduction is a safe, effective, and time-saving technique. Additionally, it offers the advantages of simplicity and rapidity of reduction and in experienced hands may not require pressure monitoring.

Factors Associated with a Failed Nonoperative Reduction of Intussusception in Children

Aims:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the factors associated with the failure of nonoperative reduction of intussusception in children.

Methods:

A retrospective study was conducted in a tertiary care pediatric surgery hospital. The children admitted to the department of pediatric surgery between November 2013 and February 2020 with the diagnosis of Intussusception were included.

Results:

A total of 106 (67%) children underwent pneumatic reduction. Eighty-nine (84%) children had a successful reduction. A higher rate of failed reduction was found in children who presented at or after 48 h of the onset of symptoms (P = 0.03) and abdominal distension at presentation (P < 0.002). On multiple logistic regression analysis, the children presenting at or after 48 h of the onset of symptoms (odds ratio [OR] = 11.3; P = 0.039) and abdominal distension at presentation (OR = 4.46; P = 0.021) were found to be associated with increased risk of failure of nonoperative reduction. The variables age <1 year, weight <10 kg, pain abdomen, vomiting, bilious vomiting, fever, bleeding per rectum, and palpable mass were not associated with the failed nonoperative reduction. The variables, presentation at or after 48 h of the onset of symptoms (OR = 2.812; P = 0.045) and abdominal distension at presentation (OR = 8.758; P = 0.000) were found to be associated with an increased need for surgery.

Conclusion:

The risk factors for failed nonoperative reduction of intussusception include a presentation at or after 48 h of the onset of symptoms and the presence of abdominal distension at presentation. The delayed presentation was associated with the increased need for surgery and increased chances of intestinal nonviability.

Intussusception among infants in Tanzania: findings from prospective hospital-based surveillance, 2013-2016

Introduction

intussusception surveillance was initiated in Tanzania in 2013 after monovalent rotavirus vaccine was introduced, as part of the 7-country African evaluation to assess whether the vaccine was associated with an increased risk of intussusception. An increased risk from vaccine was not identified. Published data on intussusception in Tanzanian infants are limited.

Methods

prospective intussusception surveillance was conducted at 7 referral hospitals during 2013-2016 to identify all infants with intussusception meeting Brighton Level 1 criteria. Demographic, household and clinical data were collected by hospital clinicians and analyzed.

Results

a total of 207 intussusception cases were identified. The median age of cases was 5.8 months and nearly three-quarters were aged 4-7 months. Median number of days from symptom onset to admission at treatment hospital was 3 (IQR 2-5). Seventy-eight percent (152/195) of cases had been admitted at another hospital before transfer to the treating hospital. Enema reduction was not available; all infants were treated surgically and 55% (114/207) had intestinal resection. The overall case-fatality rate was 30% (62/206). Compared with infants who survived, those who died had longer duration of symptoms before admission to treatment hospital (median 4 vs 3 days; p < 0.01), higher rate of intestinal resection (81% [60/82] vs 44% [64/144], p < 0.001), and from families with lower incomes (i.e., less likely to own a television [p < 0.01] and refrigerator [p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Tanzanian infants who develop intussusception have a high case-fatality rate. Raising the index of suspicion among healthcare providers, allocating resources to allow wider availability of abdominal ultrasound for earlier diagnosis, and training teams in ultrasound-guided enema reduction techniques used in other African countries could reduce the fatality rate.

Effectiveness and safety of ultrasound-guided hydrostatic reduction for children with acute intussusception

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to explore the effectiveness and safety of the new-type ultrasound-guided hydrostatic reduction for children with acute intussusception.

METHODS

The clinical data of 364 children with primary acute intussusception who underwent nonsurgical reduction in our hospital between January 2016 and May 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Among the 364 children, 119 formed the hydrostatic reduction group. There were 89 males and 30 females, and the average age of admission was 25.13 ± 1.43 months. Among the pneumatic reduction group of 245 patients, there were 163 males and 82 females. The average age of admission was 22.47 ± 1.52 months. The reduction rate, length of stay, and perforation rate were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

Univariate analysis showed that the reduction rate in the hydrostatic group (94.96%) was higher than in the pneumatic group (85.31%) (p = 0.007), and the hospital stay (2.76 ± 0.15 days) of the hydrostatic reduction group was shorter than that of the pneumatic reduction group (3.56 ± 0.35 days) (p = 0.038). In children with intussusception time >48 h, the reduction rate was 95.45% in the hydrostatic reduction group and 86.20% in the pneumatic reduction group.

CONCLUSION

The new-type ultrasound-guided hydrostatic reduction has a higher reduction rate in the treatment of acute intussusception in children results in a shortened hospital stay, It is effective, safe, and avoids radiation exposure.

Predictors of failed enema reduction in children with intussusception: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To identify predictors of failed enema reduction in children with intussusception.

METHODS

PubMed and EMBASE were searched for all studies published over a 20-year time frame, prior to March 25, 2020. Original articles that reported predictors of failed enema reduction were included. The pooled odds ratio (OR) for successful enema reduction according to various features was calculated. The combined estimates were meta-analytically pooled by random-effects modeling. The risk of bias was assessed using the National Institute of Health Quality Assessment Tool. This review was registered to the PROSPERO (CRD42020190178).

RESULTS

A total of 38 studies, comprising 40,133 cases, were included. The shorter duration of symptoms (< 24 h; combined OR, 3.812; 95% CI, 2.150-6.759) and abdominal pain (combined OR, 2.098; 95% CI, 1.405-3.133) were associated with the success (all p < 0.001). Age < 1 year (combined OR, 0.385; 95% CI, 0.166-0.893; p = 0.026), fever (combined OR, 0.519; 95% CI, 0.371-0.725; p < 0.001), rectal bleeding (combined OR, 0.252; 95% CI, 0.165-0.387; p < 0.001), and vomiting (combined OR, 0.497; 95% CI, 0.372-0.664; p < 0.001) were associated with the failed reduction. The ascites (combined OR, 0.127; 95% CI, 0.044-0.368; p = 0.001), left-sided intussusception (combined OR, 0.121; 95% CI, 0.058-0.252; p < 0.001), and trapped fluid (combined OR, 0.179; 95% CI, 0.061-0.525; p = 0.017) on US were associated with the failed reduction.

CONCLUSIONS

Successful predictors for intussusception reduction have been summarized. This evidence can help identify patients who are more likely to fail non-operative reduction and could be potential surgical candidates.

KEY POINTS

• A shorter duration of symptoms and presence of abdominal pain were associated with increased probability of success. • Age (less than 1 year), presence of fever, rectal bleeding, vomiting, and presence of ascites, left-sided intussusception, or trapped fluid on ultrasonography were associated with decreased probability of success. • This study suggests that various clinical and ultrasonography predictors would help identify patients who are more likely to fail nonoperative reduction and identify potential preoperative candidates.

Hydrostatic reduction of intussusception in children: a single centre experience

Introduction

intussusception is a common surgical emergency in children especially in infants. Treatment of intussusception could be non-operative or operative. Non-operative treatment (hydrostatic reduction) of intussusception is increasingly being practiced in developing countries.

Methods

this was a review of our experience in the hydrostatic reduction of intussusception in children at a teaching hospital in Enugu, Nigeria. This study covered an 18-months period, October 2017 to March 2019. Patients on presentation were resuscitated, appropriate investigations done and prepared for surgery before the hydrostatic reduction (using normal saline) was carried out. Patients with features of peritonitis and marked abdominal distension were excluded from hydrostatic reduction.

Results

twenty patients who had 21 episodes of intussusception were analyzed. One patient had a recurrence that necessitated repeat hydrostatic reduction. Eighty percent of the patients were male. The mean and peak age of the patients was 8 months and 6 months respectively. Significant number of the patients presented after 48 hours of onset of their symptoms. Abdominal pain was the predominant presenting symptom. Twenty percent and fifteen percent of the patients had a history of preceding gastrointestinal and respiratory infections preceding the intussusception respectively. Ileocolic intussusception was the most common type and the most distal end of the intussusception was at the transverse colon. Hydrostatic reduction was successful in 13 patients (65%).

Conclusion

hydrostatic reduction is a simple and effective method of treatment of intussusception. However, early presentation and proper patient selection is necessary for optimal outcome.

Practical Imaging Strategies for Intussusception in Children

OBJECTIVE. Intussusception is the most common cause of intestinal obstruction in young children. Radiology has a key role in its diagnosis and treatment. This systematic review summarizes the currently available evidence for best practices in radiologic management of pediatric intussusception. CONCLUSION. High diagnostic accuracy and lack of ionizing radiation make ultrasound (US) the preferred imaging modality for diagnosing intussusception. For intussusception reduction, fluoroscopy-guided pneumatic enema and US-guided hydrostatic enema are equally dependable and safe techniques. The areas that warrant further research in this field include the efficacy and safety of the US-guided pneumatic enema, potential benefits of sedation and general anesthesia for the reduction procedure, and the optimal management of intussusceptions potentially involving pathologic lead points.

Treatment Outcome of Acute Intussusception in Children Under Two Years of Age: A Prospective Cohort Study

Background

Intussusception is a common cause of small intestinal obstruction in children under two years of age. Late diagnosis can lead to a potentially worse condition. This prospective study aims to describe the clinical manifestation and develop a conservative management protocol for acute ileocaecal intussusception in children under two years of age.

Methods

This prospective study was carried out in 118 consecutive patients under two years of age. Patients presented with symptoms and signs of acute intestinal obstruction and a diagnosis of ileocaecal intussusception confirmed by ultrasound were included in this study. All the patients were managed with either pneumatic reduction or operation.

Results

There were 70 boys and 48 girls ranging in age from three months to two years with a median of 12.5 months. Clinical presentation included abdominal pain (100%), vomiting (82.2%), bloody stool (11.9%), and a palpable mass (43.2%). Patients hospitalized with the symptoms and signs for less than 24 hours accounted for 80.5% of the cases. The overall success rate of pneumatic reduction was 98.3%. Late hospital admission (≥ 24 hours from illness onset), bloody stool, and presenting with the classic triad of symptoms of intussusception were found as the factors that correlated to the surgical management outcome. All patients recovered well without any complications. The median of postoperative hospital stay of two days for the pneumatic reduction group and six days for the operation group.

Conclusion

The early diagnosis of intussusception contributes to the success of pneumatic reduction and reduces the requirement of surgical intervention.

Intussusception Protocol Implementation: Single-Site Outcomes With Clinician and Family Satisfaction

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study was to evaluate clinical outcomes, costs, and clinician and parent satisfaction after implementation of a protocol to discharge patients from the emergency department (ED) after successful reduction of uncomplicated ileocolic intussusception.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In March 2017, an intussusception management protocol was implemented for children presenting with ultrasound findings of ileocolic intussusception. Those meeting inclusion criteria were observed after successful radiological reduction in the ED and discharged after 6 h with resolution of symptoms. Retrospective chart review was completed for cases before and after protocol implementation for clinical outcomes and costs. Clinicians and parents were surveyed to assess overall satisfaction.

RESULTS

Charts were reviewed before (42 encounters, 37 patients) and after (30 encounters, 23 patients) protocol implementation. After implementation, admission rates decreased from 95% (40/42) to 23% (7/30; P < 0.001) and antibiotic use was eliminated (91% to 0%, P < 0.001). There was no difference in recurrence rates (17% versus 23%, P = 0.44). Median total length of stay decreased from 18.87 to 9.52 h (P < 0.001), whereas median ED length of stay increased from 4.37 to 9.87 h (P < 0.001). In addition, there was an overall hospital cost saving of over $2000 ($9595 ± 3424 to $7465 ± 3723; P = 0.009) per encounter. Clinicians and parents were overall satisfied with the protocol and parents showed no changes in patient satisfaction with protocol implementation.

CONCLUSIONS

An intussusception protocol can facilitate early discharge from the ED and improve patient care without increased risk of recurrence. Additional benefits include decreased hospital- and patient-related costs, elimination of antibiotic use, and parent as well as clinician satisfaction.