The success of ultrasound-guided hydrostatic reduction in managing delayed presentation of childhood intussusception: A single center experience

Abstract

Background: Childhood intussusception is a common surgical emergency. The current practice for non-operative management in Sri Lanka is ultrasound-guided hydrostatic reduction (USGHR). This retrospective study aims to demonstrate the efficacy and safety of this procedure even in a setting of delayed presentation. Method: We explore outcomes of USGHR in the management of intussusception in children presenting to a single tertiary care center in Sri Lanka, between November 2019 and March 2021. Hydrostatic reduction was performed in patients with radiologically confirmed intussusception in the absence of contraindications. In failed attempts or early recurrences, USGHR was repeated for a maximum of 2 more attempts. Results: Our study included 135 participants. Of the patients for which data on symptom duration was available 31.5% (n = 41) presented delayed (t>48 hrs). Hydrostatic reduction showed an overall success rate of 86.4%. No association was seen between time since onset of symptoms and success of USGHR (p<0.05). In 19 patients (14.1%) operative intervention was required. The rates of operative intervention were comparable between those presenting within (12.4%) and after 48 h (12.2%). One case (0.7%) of bowel perforation and 1 case of peritonitis (0.7%) occurred in those presenting within and after 48 h respectively. Conclusion: The success rate of USGHR was high despite delays in patient presentation. Thus, hydrostatic reduction is a safe, effective procedure to be performed as the first-line management option in childhood intussusception even in a setting of delayed presentation. Overall success increases with repeat reduction. Level of evidence: Retrospective study comparative – level III

Keywords

• Intussusception
• Children
• Delayed presentation
• Hydrostatic reduction