Enema reduction of intussusception by hydrostatic pressure under ultrasound guidance: a report of 377 cases

Three hundred seventy-seven pediatric intussusception patients were treated by normal saline hydrostatic enema under ultrasound guidance from October 1985 to April 1987. Before reduction, the rate of correct diagnosis by ultrasonography was 100%, and the rate of successful reduction was 95.5% in this group. With this technique there is no risk of x-ray exposure to the patient. The definite criteria for reduction are discussed. Clear echogram was shown during reduction and the ileo-ileo-coli intussusception can be diagnosed. Intestinal perforation, if any, can be accurately recognized at once. This technique is believed to be one of the most promising methods in nonoperative treatment of pediatric intussusception.