Is non-operative intussusception reduction effective in older children? Ten-year experience in a university affiliated medical center

Ileo-colic intussusception in older children is frequently caused by a pathological lead point. Therefore, in many cases, no attempts at hydrostatic or air reduction are performed in non-pediatric hospitals. This study summarizes our experience in management of intussusception in children aged 3 years or older, in order to determine its efficacy and safety in this age group. We retrospectively reviewed medical records and radiological images of 26 cases of intussusception in 24 children older than 3 years admitted to our hospital over a 10-year period. In one child no attempt of reduction was made. Three children underwent unsuccessful imaging-guided reduction and an underlying tumor was identified at surgery and resected. In 18 cases air reduction was successful and no pathological lead point was discovered. In four children hydrostatic or air reductions failed. Manual reduction was performed, with no predisposing cause found. No complications were observed in any of our patients. Older age is not a contraindication for imaging-guided intussusception reduction attempt. Most of these patients can benefit from such an attempt, thereby avoiding surgery.