Intussusception. Part 2: An update on the evolution of management

Abstract

Children with symptomatic ileocolic or ileo-ileocolic intussusceptions can be successfully managed in one of a number of different ways. The nonoperative enema reduction technique has major advantages over surgical reduction and high success rates can be achieved using pneumatic or hydrostatic reduction techniques under fluoroscopic or sonographic guidance. This article highlights current concepts and some controversial issues related to management of intussusception, including patient selection for attempted enema reduction, the advantages and disadvantages of each technique, complications, the value of delayed, repeated reduction attempts, the role of imaging after attempted enema reduction, and recurrence of intussusception.