Postoperative intussusception in children: a review of 14 cases

Abstract

Objective: To search the etiologic factor, clinical diagnosis points and treatment of postoperative intussusception (PI).

Methods: To retrospectively review the clinical materials of 14 cases with PI including the cause of disease and treatment.

Results: PI occurred within 10 days (average 4 days) after the primary operation. Bowel obstructive symptoms gradually emerged. One case was diagnosed with intussusception by sonography and received enema reduction of intussusception by hydrostatic pressure. Thirteen cases were performed secondary operation. Small intestine was main site of intussusception. Manual reduction of the lesion was performed in 12 cases and bowel resection and anastomosis was done in 1 case with bowel necrosis.

Conclusion: PI should be suspected if child presents with the symptoms of ileus in early postoperative period. Abdominal sonography may have some value on diagnosis of PI. Operation is the first choice for the treatment of PI.