Air reduction of intussusception.

AIM: To show that intussusception in children is reducible in most cases, using air.

METHODS

Initially we used a barium enema to treat paediatric intussusception. Now we use an air enema. We consider the latter reduction technique to be the method of choice in the treatment of intussusception in childhood.

RESULTS

Over a period of 21 years, we have treated 151 patients presenting with intussusception. In a group of 130 children treated with barium enema we managed to reduce the intussusception in 110 cases (84.6 %). We used air pressure to treat a second group of 21 children; the success rate in this group was 100 %.

CONCLUSIONS

In order to avoid a surgical operation this technique must become more generally known. We are of the opinion that if the method is applied correctly, it is almost always possible to correct intussusception using air.