Childhood intussusception

Abstract

In a retrospective study, 38 patients with intussusception presenting to paediatric surgical emergency were studied. The objective was to review the management of childhood intussusception and identify factors that require attention for improved outcome. Out of 38 children 26 were males and 12 were females. Age ranged from 2 months to 10 years. Presenting features were mainly vomiting, abdominal pain/excessive crying, abdominal distension, passage of blood and mucus in the stool and a palpable abdominal mass. Duration of symptoms i.e., time period lapsing between the onset of symptoms and seeking the treatment was < 24hours in 21.3% cases, 24-72 hours in 3l.5% > 72 hours in 39.4 % and > 1 week in 7.8% cases. Ileo-colic intussusception was found in 76% cases, colo- colic in 16 and ileo-ileal in 8% cases. Manual reduction was successful in 34% cases and resection of the gut had to be done in 66% cases. Delay in diagnosis was associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The authors recommend that prompt treatment is the key to reduce the morbidity and mortality.