[Medical-surgical experience of intestinal intussusception. Experience of a university institution].

BACKGROUND

Management of intestinal intussusception in children has evolved from exclusively surgical treatments to nonoperative reduction under fluoroscopic monitoring.

AIM: To report a 10 year experience in a University Hospital in the management of intestinal intussusception.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

Seventy two patients, aged 2 to 72 months of age, with an uncomplicated intussusception, that were treated by barium or air enema, were studied.

RESULTS

The success rate was 73% with barium reductions, and 100% with air reductions. In 17 patients (24%), enema reduction was unsuccessful and were subjected to a surgical reduction.

CONCLUSIONS

Nonsurgical reduction is safe and effective as the initial treatment of uncomplicated intussusception in children.