A 11-year retrospective analysis of intussusception cases in children

Objective: Intussusception is a prevalent etiology of emesis and abdominal discomfort in pediatric patients. This investigation sought to elucidate the correlation between epidemiological factors, clinical progression, diagnostic procedures, therapeutic interventions, and patient outcomes, with particular emphasis on the safety profile of hydrostatic reduction in subjects presenting with intussusception. Material and Methods: In this retrospective study, we analyzed the data of children who were diagnosed and treated for intussusception in the hospital database and the Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS) from January 2013 to December 2023. Demographic data, symptoms at presentation, mode of diagnosis, treatment modality, and associated complications were also recorded. Results: Of the 165 patients, 60% were boys and 40% were girls, with a mean age of 35.5 years (1-193 months). Of the patients, 44.2% (n= 73) were presented within 24 hours of symptom onset. All patients had abdominal pain, and 24 (14.5%) had the classic triad of abdominal pain, vomiting, and red stools. Ultrasonography-guided hydrostatic reduction (USHR) and surgery resulted in a cure in 134 (93.3%) and 31 (6.7%) patients, respectively. The overall recurrence rate was 16.3%, with no mortality. There was a statistically significant difference between the length of the invaginated segment (4 cm or more) and USHR (p=0.004). Conclusion: The USHR of invagination is effective regardless of the duration of symptoms and number of recurrences.