Childhood intussusception: a 9-year review

• Published in: Annals of tropical paediatrics Vol. 20; no. 2; pp. 131 - 135
• Main Authors: Ugwu, B. T., Legbo, J. N., Dakum, N. K., Yiltok, S. J., Mbah, N., Uba, F. A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Leeds Taylor & Francis 01.06.2000; Maney; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: Adolescent; Biological and medical sciences; Child; Child, Preschool; Colonic Diseases - epidemiology; Colonic Diseases - surgery; Female; Gastroenterology. Liver. Pancreas. Abdomen; Humans; Ileal Diseases - epidemiology; Ileal Diseases - surgery; Incidence; Infant; Intussusception - epidemiology; Intussusception - surgery; Male; Medical sciences; Other diseases. Semiology; Postoperative Complications - epidemiology; Postoperative Complications - etiology; Stomach. Duodenum. Small intestine. Colon. Rectum. Anus; Treatment Outcome; Tropical medicine; Niger; Africa; Human; Prognosis; Treatment; Intussusception; Gut; Digestive diseases; Intestinal disease; Child
• ISSN: 0272-4936; 2046-9047; 1465-3281; 2046-9055
• DOI: 10.1080/02724936.2000.11748122

Sixty-four consecutive cases of intussusception in 48 infants and 16 older children managed at Jos University Teaching Hospital between January 1990 and December 1998 are reviewed. The age range was between 3 months and 15 years (mean 2.2 years) and the male to female ratio was 3.6: 1. The quartet of abdominal pain, bloody mucoid stools, abdominal mass and palpable rectal mass was present in 70% compared with the classical triad (abdominal pain, bloody mucoid stools and abdominal mass) which occurred in only 32%. All the children had surgery. In 26 (41%) of the children, no associated cause was found, in three polyps formed the lead point and in five children a buried appendicectomy stump formed the lead point. In 30 (47%) other children, mesenteric lymphadenopathy and inflamed Peyer's patches were noted. Ileo-colic intussusception occurred in 32 (50%) children. Manual reduction was successful in 67%. Bowel resection for gangrene, irreducibility and an iatrogenic colonic tear was done in 30% of patients. Two (3%) had spontaneous reductions. There were four deaths. The commonest complications were wound infection and adhesive intestinal obstruction.