Laparoscopic surgery in the management of intussusception in children

The technique and outcome of minimally invasive laparoscopic treatment of various forms of intussusception in children after ineffective attempts at conservative treatment are described. 118 patients, aged from 1.5 months to 11 years were analysed. The suggested scheme of surgical treatment using a laparoscopic technique was successful in 82 patients (69.5%), and conversion to an open procedure occurred in 36 (30.5%). There was no mortality or intraoperative complications in our series. It is concluded that practically every form of intussusception without bowel necrosis, including the most complex forms, can be radically disinvaginated using modern video-laparoscopic equipment and atraumatic instruments.