The potential for improvement in outcome of children with intussusception in the South Island.

AIMS

To review the experience in the South Island to predict the extent to which the outcome in intussusception might be expected to improve by the introduction of management guidelines and access to a regional specialist paediatric surgical service.

METHODS

Children with intussusception treated in the South Island during an eleven year period until 1998 were identified from hospital coding systems, the Southern RegionalHealth Authority and from departmental audit programmes. Details of management and outcome were analysed.

RESULTS

Data proved difficult to obtain. There were 83 children identified with intussusception confirmed on enema or at surgery; 76 had an enema that was successful in 44. Delayed repeat enema and gas enema techniques were not used as frequently as might be expected. The operative rate was higher than that reported by other centres.

CONCLUSIONS

Current data, coding and audit systems have significant short comings, which limit availability of reliable outcome data. Increased awareness of the expanded indications for enema reduction, use of air (rather than barium) and delayed repeat enemas, and access to specialist paediatric surgical involvement appears to increase the nonoperative rate. Implementation of guidelines for the management of intussusception might be expected to reduce by more than half the number of children undergoing surgery for this condition in the South Island.