INTUSSUSCEPTION IN CHILDREN: A REVIEW OF 91 CASES

This is a retrospective study of 91 patients treated for intussusception between 1982 and 1984. Criteria for inclusion in the study were the finding of a classical radiological appearance on barium enema examination or the presence of an intussusception at operation. The clinical features are described. A protocol of management first reported in 1983 was followed with 90 of 91 patients submitted to a diagnostic and/or therapeutic barium enema. As a result of recent experience, the protocol has been modified in selected patients at the discretion of the surgeon and the radiologist. A success rate of barium enema reduction of 78% was achieved, which is higher than in previous princess margaret hospital studies; there was recurrence of the intussusception in 12 patients following hydrostatic reduction. Further barium enema reduction was successful in 11 and operation in one. There was no mortality and minimal morbidity.