Pediatric small bowel intussusception disease: feasibility of screening for surgery with early computed tomographic evaluation.

BACKGROUND

This study investigated the feasibility of early computed tomographic (CT) evaluation and the operative results of pediatric small bowel intussusception with deteriorating ischemic or obstructive symptoms, so-called small bowel intussusception disease (SBID).

METHODS

Between 1988 and 1999, among 18 patients surgically proven SBID (conventional group), 12 mimicked ileocolic intussusception and were conventionally managed with abdominal radiography, ultrasonography, reduction enema, and eventually operation. Between 2000 and 2008, we applied a modified approach with inclusion of early CT evaluation if ultrasonography showed a target lesion suspicious for SBID (diameter </=3.0 cm and/or atypically located in the paraumbilical or left abdomen). Among 15 surgically proven SBID patients (early CT group), 13 underwent early operation after CT confirmation. The clinical, imaging, and operative findings were compared between the 2 groups.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences between the 2 groups in age, gender, clinical presentations, leukocyte count, ultrasonographic features, locations of SBID, or the presence of lead points. Most patients presented with vomiting, abdominal pain, or irritable crying. In comparison with the conventional group, early CT group patients had a significantly shorter duration between admission and surgery (31.44 +/- 30.39 vs 7.47 +/- 5.95 hours; P < .01) and a lower rate of bowel complications (44.4% vs 6.7%; P = .02).

CONCLUSION

Pediatric SBID may present with nonspecific symptoms and may mimic ileocolic intussusception leading to delayed operative intervention. Early CT evaluation of patients with suspicious SBID ultrasonographic features is effective in avoiding futile reduction enema and significantly reducing the waiting time for operative management and the resultant incidence of bowel complications.