Intussusception in children: reduction with repeated, delayed air enema.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of pneumatic reduction of intussusception with an emphasis on repeated, delayed trials. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-one patients with intussusception were treated with air enemas. Before 1993, one trial of air reduction was performed; since 1993, up to three trials of air reduction were performed. The patients were categorized according to the duration of signs and symptoms: less than 12 hours (group A), 12-24 hours (group B), and longer than 24 hours (group C). RESULTS: The success rate for air reduction was 83% overall (59 of 71 patients), 89% in group A (25 of 28 patients), 83% in group B (20 of 24 patients), and 74% in group C (14 of 19 patients). The success rate was 70% (19 of 27 patients) before 1993 and 91% (40 of 44 patients) since 1993 (P < .05). When patients in whom air reduction was successful were compared with patients in whom it was unsuccessful, there was a statistically significant difference in radiographic signs of intestinal obstruction and duratio...