Childhood intussusception: a multicentre study in a middle-income country
Background: The outcome in infants and young children of intestinal obstruction due to intussusception is well documented in high-income countries. Our aim was to investigate the current pattern of presentation, management and outcome of childhood intussusception in a middle-income country using a m...
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| Published in: | South African journal of surgery Vol. 58; no. 3; p. 138 |
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| Main Authors: | , , , , |
| Format: | Journal Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Pinelands
South African Sports Medicine Association
01-09-2020
Medpharm Publications |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | Get full text |
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| Summary: | Background: The outcome in infants and young children of intestinal obstruction due to intussusception is well documented in high-income countries. Our aim was to investigate the current pattern of presentation, management and outcome of childhood intussusception in a middle-income country using a multicentre approach. Methods: Records of children managed for intussusception in three centres in South West Nigeria were retrospectively reviewed and analysed. Results: One hundred and ninety children managed for intussusception were analysed. The male-to-female ratio was 1.8:1. The median age was 7 months with a peak age incidence of 3-6 months. Peak incidence was recorded during the dry season. Passage of bloody stool, vomiting, abdominal pain and fever were the most common presenting features. Seventy-three (38.4%) of the patients presented with the classic triad. The median duration of symptoms was three days and only 19 (10.1%) patients presented in less than 24 hours. Ileocolic intussusception was the most common anatomic type, occurring in 166 (87.4%) patients, and was significantly associated with age. Twenty-two (56.4%) had successful hydrostatic reduction, while 165 (88.2%) required surgery. Forty (21.1%) patients suffered postoperative complications. Eleven (5.8%) of the patients died. The median duration of hospital stay was six days, and this correlated with the duration of symptoms and the length of hospital stay. Conclusion: Delayed presentation is a persisting challenge in the management of childhood intussusception in Nigeria. Prompt referral to a paediatric surgeon may reduce the surgery rate, associated morbidity and the length of hospital stay. Keywords: childhood intussusception, delayed presentation, outcome, developing country |
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| ISSN: | 0038-2361 2078-5151 |
| DOI: | 10.17159/2078-5151/2020/v58n3a2986 |