Intussusception
Author Department
Pediatrics
Document Type
Book Chapter
Publication Date
1-2016
Abstract
Intussusception is a common cause of small bowel obstruction in infants and children. It is usually seen in children between 6 and 10 months of age, with idiopathic ileocolic intussusception being the most common type. In older children, pathologic lead points as the cause of intussusception are more common. Diagnosis is made by abdominal ultrasound. Air or contrast enema is the standard initial treatment option for intussusception and in high-volume centers has a high success rate and favorable safety profile. It may be repeated multiple times prior to resorting to operative reduction. Laparoscopy has gained favor as the initial operative strategy for reduction if repeated enemas fail. Laparotomy remains an option for cases in which laparoscopy is unsuccessful.
Recommended Citation
Tashjian DB, Tirabassi MV, Bittner KR, Mora MC, Wong KE: Intussusception. In Mattei P, Nichol PF, Rollins MD, Muratore CS (eds): Fundamentals of Pediatric Surgery. Springer International Publishing, 2016.