CHILDHOOD INTUSSUSCEPTION - ULTRASOUND GUIDED HYDROSTATIC REDUCTION

Over a 30-month period, real-time ultrasound (US) was performed in 116 children with suspected intussusception. US findings were positive in all 75 cases of intussusception. Except in one case of transient small-bowel intussusception, the authors immediately attempted US-guided hydrostatic reduction in all cases. Reduction was successful in 63 cases (85%), as demonstrated with US and resolution of signs and symptoms of intussusception. Negative sonograms were confirmed with clinical follow-up. Among 11 failed cases, reduction with barium enema was attempted in six, but all attempts failed. No complications have occurred to date. The authors conclude that US is a reliable diagnostic screening modality in cases of suspected intussusception and that US-guided hydrostatic reduction is a promising technique in nonoperative treatment.