Hydrostatic reduction of intestinal intussusception in children. Experience in 43 cases

Background: Intestinal intussusception, a medical emergency, is more commonly idiopathic and ileocolic and occurs with higher frequency in children aged 6 months to 2 years. Barium enema confirms the diagnosis and allows its hydrostatic reduction, that is the treatment of choice of this condition. Aim: To report our experience with hydrostatic reduction of intestinal intussusception in children. Patients and methods: Hydrostatic reduction was attempted in 43 children with intestinal intussusception: 20 male, aged 2 to 48 months, that consulted at the Clinical Hospital of the Catholic University in Santiago. Results: Hydrostatic reduction was successful in 33 children (77%) that were discharged from the hospital 24 to 96 hours after the procedure. A partial reduction was achieved in 10 patients (23%) who required surgery and were discharged from the hospital 5 to 8 days after the procedure. Conclusions: Our results are similar to those reported abroad and allow the recommendation of hydrostatic reduction as the treatment of choice for intestinal intussusception.