[Invagination in children].

Although rare, childhood intussusception is one of the most common causes of small bowel obstruction in infancy. In these very young patients it can sometimes be difficult to interpret the clinical signs and symptoms correctly. This retrospective study comprises 79 children (median age 7.5 months; 24% girls and 76% boys) who experienced 83 episodes of intussusception. At admission the diagnosis made by the referring physicians could be confirmed in only about one-third of the cases. A barium enema was part of the inhospital diagnostic process. Non-operative treatment was attempted in 70 patients (89%), and barium enema reduction was successful in 64%. Laparotomy was required in 33 (42%) of the patients. No mortality, bowel perforation, or any other major complications were encountered. The diagnosis of childhood intussusception seems difficult to achieve in many cases, and the interpretation of, at times vague clinical signs and symptoms remains a challenge for all clinicians who are involved in the care of these very young patients.