MANAGEMENT OF PAEDIATRIC INTUSSUSCEPTION: A CASE SERIES OF PNEUMATIC REDUCTION, RECURRENCE AND SURGICAL INTERVENTION

Abstract

Paediatric intussusception is an important cause of acute intestinal obstruction in infants and young children and requires timely diagnosis and management. This case series included 14 paediatric patients managed at SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, SRM Hospital, between March 2024 and March 2026. Clinical presentation, ultrasonographic findings, anatomical type, pneumatic reduction, recurrence, surgical intervention, hospital stay, post treatment imaging, and follow-up were evaluated. Ileocolic intussusception was identified in 13 patients, while one child had colocolic intussusception. Pneumatic reduction achieved reduction in 13 patients, whereas one child required operative management after unsuccessful non-operative reduction. Recurrent intussusception occurred in four patients. Two children required surgery, including diagnostic laparoscopy with manual reduction and Ladd’s procedure. No complications were documented, and all patients underwent post-treatment imaging and clinical follow-up. Pneumatic reduction was effective in most patients, while surgery remained necessary in selected cases requiring operative escalation.