Pneumoreduction of intussusception during infancy and childhood

Intussusception is the commonest cause of acquired intestinal obstruction during infancy and early childhood. Almost all patients can be treated conservative method. During the period between September, 1983 and August, 1986, pneumoreduction was performed in 107 cases of intussusception who were admitted to Kyungpook National University Hospital. The results were as follows: 1. Males were more affected than females as a ratio of 1.7 ; 1, and the patients were under the age of 1 in 72.0%. 2. Slight prevalence was noted during summer. 3. Preceding Uri history was present in 58.9% of patients. 4. The common symptoms and signs were irritability 93.5%, paroxysmall crying 86.0%, vomiting 83.2% and abdominal mass 41.1%. 5. The cause were unknown in 98.1% of patients. 6. The overall success rate was 91.6%. Higher reduction rate was noted in the patients whose duration of symptoms was less than 48 hours, and ileocolic or calculi type recorded much higher reduction rate than ileoileal or ileoileocolic type. 7. The time and pressure required for reduction in most cases were within 30 minutes and 61-100 mmHg. 8. Two cases of bowel perforation were observed, but could be treated surgically without any significant problem. 9. Recurrence rate was 8.2%.