Ultrasound-guided hydrostatic reduction of intussusceptions by saline enema: a review of 5218 cases in 17 years

Background The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of ultrasound (US)-guided hydrostatic reduction (UGSED) of intussusceptions in pediatric patients by saline enema. Methods Five thousand two hundred eighteen pediatric patients with intussusceptions treated by UGSED from October 1985 to October 2002 were reviewed retrospectively. Results The success rate of reduction in 5218 patients was 95.5%. Two hundred thirty-seven patients (4.5%) underwent surgery. Colonic perforation occurred in 9 patients (0.17%). Two infants suffered from milk aspiration because of vomiting during the hydrostatic enema reduction. There was no mortality. Conclusions UGSED of intussusceptions avoids radiation exposure. It is reliable and safe. It has high success rate and minimal complications. It is a perfect method for the nonoperative treatment of pediatric intussusception and can be widely used as routine therapy.