Management of 344 Children with Intussusception

Abstract

Barium enema and surgery, either separately or in combination, were used to diagnose and treat 344 children with intussusception. In the past 10 years there has been a significant increase in both the percentage of patients having initial barium enema and in the frequency of successful hydrostatic reductions. Clinical evidence of intestinal perforation or free intraperitoneal air on abdominal radiographs are the only absolute contraindications to the administration of a barium enema to a child suspected of intussusception.