THE TREATMENT OF INTUSSUSCEPTION IN INFANCY AND CHILDHOOD

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Abstract
1. The experience at the Denver Children's Hospital over the past 20 years has been analyzed in 2 10-year periods. Results in the last 10 years represent more accurately the improvements in general therapy including anesthesia, fluid and electrolyte replacement and anti-bacterial agents. 2. One hundred twenty-four cases of intussception were treated during the 20 years with an overall mortality rate of 7.2 per cent, and an operative mortality rate of 3.3 per cent. In the past 10 years, 89 cases were admitted, of which 3 died, all deaths being in moribund cases not mechanically treated, leaving no mortality following hydrostatic or surgical procedures. 3. In the last 10-year period, 47 cases were treated with initial surgery with no deaths; 39 were treated with initial barium enema, 19 of these enemas being followed by surgery, also with no deaths. 4. Most of the successful barium enema cases were those of short duration. But short duration does not insure reduction nor does the method always fail in late cases. 5. The main advantage of barium enema would seem to be its simplicity and an even chance of success in early cases thus avoiding unnecessary surgery and economic loss. The main advantage of initial surgery would seem to be its more positive approach and more definite assurance of adequate treatment.

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