The Laparoscopic Versus Open Approach for Reduction of Intussusception in Infants and Children: An Updated Institutional Experience

Purpose: We have previously demonstrated successful laparoscopic management after failed enema reduction of children with intussusception. The purpose of this study is to assess the effectiveness of our mature experience with laparoscopic reduction by evaluating operative success, duration of hospital stay, postoperative complications, and hospital readmission rates. Materials and Methods: After IRB approval, a retrospective review was conducted on children (age 0-18 years) who failed enema reduction of intussusception between 2008 and 2017. Cases were classified as either open or laparoscopic. Demographic data, incidence of bowel resection, postoperative length of stay, complications, and hospital readmission rates were abstracted from patient medical records. Comparative analysis was performed in STATA with a P value <.05 determined as significant. Results: A total of 81 children were included in our study with 63 patients (78%) undergoing a laparoscopic reduction and 18 patients (22%) undergoing an open operation. Laparoscopic reduction carried similar complication rates (11%) when compared with children undergoing an open reduction (11%, P=1.00). Furthermore, both hospital readmission rates and returns to the operating room were similar between the two groups (P=.345 and P=.672, respectively). The median postoperative length of stay was shorter for patients undergoing a laparoscopic reduction (4 days, interquartile range [IQR], 2-5 days) than for patients undergoing an open reduction (5 days, IQR, 4-6 days, P=.001). Children undergoing a laparoscopic reduction had a decreased rate of bowel resection (43% versus 50%, P=.591) despite similar rate of pathological lead points (21% versus 22%, P=.884). Conclusion: Laparoscopic management of intussusception after failed radiographic reduction yields a reduced hospital length of stay with no increase in hospital readmission rates and reoperations.