Postoperative intussusception in children operated for primary intussusception - A very rare entity

Postoperative intussusception (POI) after abdominal and non-abdominal operations is a rare but recognized condition discussed several times in literature. There are scarce reports regarding POI in children operated primarily for intussusception. We discuss three such cases that were seen in our institution in the last two years. The patients showed symptoms of atypical ileus that failed to resolve two to eight days following primary surgery. Ultrasound reported intussusception and surgical intervention was sought. All patients had ileoileal intussusception. Manual reduction was successful in two cases. One had intestinal necrosis and underwent resection and anastomosis. Recovery was satisfactory without recurrence. POI should be suspected in patients who show signs of intestinal obstruction in early postoperative period. A second POI should be kept in mind after surgical reduction of the first intussusception. Ultrasound should be performed to aid diagnosis followed by urgent surgical intervention.