Intussusception: Analysis of 98 cases

A retrospective study of the clinical features and surgical management of 98 cases of paediatric intussusception treated in New Zealand during the past 16 years is presented. The classic triad of vomiting, rectal bleeding and abdominal pain occurred in only 20 per cent of patients. Barium enema examination was used in 67 patients but successful reduction was achieved in only 13. Laparotomy was performed in 85 patients with 1 operative death. Gangrenous bowel was found in 17 patients and 24 required bowel resection with no associated mortality. This high rate of bowel resection appears to be related to the long duration of symptoms before the diagnosis was established. It is concluded that earlier diagnosis is the single factor most likely to reduce morbidity.