Intussusception in children: Reduction with repeated, delayed air enema

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of the pneumatic reduction of intussusception with an emphasis on repeated, delayed trials. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-one patients with intussusception were treated with air enemas. Before 1993, one trial of air reduction was performed; since 1993, up to three trials of air reduction were performed. The patients were categorized according to the duration of signs and symptoms: less than 12 hours (group A), 12-24 hours (group B), and longer than 24 hours (group C). RESULTS: The success rate for air reduction was 83% overall (59 of 71 patients), 89% in group A (25 of 28 patients), 83% in group B (20 of 24 patients), and 74% in group C (14 of 19 patients). The success rate was 70% (19 of 27 patients) before 1993 and 91% (40 of 44 patients) since 1993 (P < .05). When patients in whom air reduction was successful were compared with patients in whom it was unsuccessful, there was a statistically significant difference in radiographic signs of intestinal obstruction and duration of signs and symptoms but no important difference in age or rectal bleeding. There were no episodes of complications. CONCLUSION: Repeated, delayed pneumatic reduction of intussusception improves the outcome.