Postoperative intussusception in childhood

Over a period of 10 years, five children developed postoperative intussusception after intra-abdominal procedures at the Department of Pediatric Surgery of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz. Two appendectomies, one ileal resection for a Meckel's diverticulum, one operative procedure for Hirschsprung's disease plus intestinal neuronal dysplasia type B, and one hiatoplasty with jejunostomy preceded the intussusception. Three of the five children were older than 2 years. The clinical symptoms consisted primarily of abdominal distension, diffuse abdominal pain, bilious vomiting, and rectal bleeding in one case. Preoperative diagnosis was achieved in four cases by abdominal ultrasound. Plain abdominal radiographs demonstrated dilated loops of small intestine with air-fluid levels in four of the five cases. In the case without radiographic findings, the jejunojejunal intussusception was missed even by a bowel follow-through. The intussusceptions were ileocolic (3), ileoileal (1), and jejunojejunal (1). A hydrostatic procedure to reduce an ileocolic intussusception was not successful. Operative treatment of the intussusception was performed in three cases within 5 days, once at 32 days, and once 3 months after the primary operation, in all cases by laparatomy and simple manual reduction without intestinal resection. In contrast to idiopathic intussusception, noninvasive hydrostatic procedures are not indicated in postoperative intussusception, since protection of intestinal anastomoses from hydrostatic pressure and exclusion of other causes of postoperative ileus are mandatory.     

Neurological symptoms in children with intussusception

Aim:  The classical combination of abdominal pain, vomiting, rectal blood loss and a palpable abdominal mass is only present in a minority of children with intussusception. Neurological signs and symptoms have been described, but are not a well understood phenomenon. We performed a retrospective study to ascertain the frequency and nature of these symptoms and to describe the characteristics of the patients presenting in this atypical way.
Methods:  The records of 58 children presenting with intussusception from 2003 to 2008 were reviewed for abdominal and neurological signs and symptoms, duration of symptoms and effectiveness of treatment.
Results:  In 10 out of 58 patients (17%), one or more neurological symptoms were recorded at presentation, with lethargy being the most frequent, followed by hypotonia and fluctuating consciousness. The patients with neurological abnormalities were significantly younger and presented with a shorter duration of symptoms. Therapy was more invasive, although not statistically significant, in this patient category.
Conclusion:  Intussusception should be considered in the differential diagnosis in young children presenting with lethargy, hypotonia and/or sudden alterations of consciousness even in the absence of the classical symptoms of intussusception.     

Intussusception in children of school age

BACKGROUND: There are only a few reports discussing the characteristics of intussusception developing in school-age children. The characteristics of these cases are discussed, with reference to previous literature. METHODS: The present study included eight cases of intussusception in school-age children among 143 intussusception patients treated on an inpatient basis at Nihon University Itabashi Hospital, during the 11 year period from 1993 to 2003. The remaining 135 patients were assigned to the infant group as controls. The clinical characteristics of intussusception in school-age children were compared with those of the condition developing in infants. RESULTS: The eight children of school age with intussusception ranged in age from 8 to 15 years (mean, 11.6 years), and consisted of five boys and three girls. The major symptom was abdominal pain, occurring in 100% (8/8). Bloody stools and vomiting were reported in two patients each (25%) from this group. The triad of abdominal pain, bloody stools and vomiting was recognized in only one child (12.5%) of this group. Two children (25.0%) had a palpable abdominal mass, and one child (12.5%) complained of diarrhea. None of the school-age children with intussusception had any antecedent infection; five, two and one patients had the ileo-colic type, ileo-ileo-colic type and ileo-ileal type of intussusception, respectively. Four underwent enema reduction and four underwent surgical reduction. One of the eight children (12.5%) had underlying organic abnormality; in the remaining children the condition was labeled idiopathic. One child developed recurrences. CONCLUSIONS: In school-age children intussusception is generally believed to be commonly secondary to underlying organic abnormality, but in the present study only one of eight school-age children had underlying organic abnormality; in the remaining children, the condition was labeled idiopathic. The major symptom in school-age intussusception was abdominal pain. Therefore this may need to be differentiated from appendicitis in children of school age. It is considered that abdominal ultrasonography (USG) is a simple and useful method for making the diagnosis of intussusception, and that diagnostic USG should be conducted in all school-age children presenting with acute abdominal pain.     

Invagination

Intussusception is the most frequent cause of ileus in infants and toddlers. It is characterized by the prolapse of a more proximal bowel segment into the lumen of a more distal segment, resulting in venous stasis and bowel wall edema. Without treatment this leads to arterial occlusion with bowel necrosis and perforation. In total, 90% of intussusceptions are ileocolic. Following infancy, the likelihood of a pathologic lead point (Meckel’s Diverticulum, polyp, lymphoma) being the cause of intussusception increases. Clinically there is the classic triad of abdominal pain, vomiting and “redcurrant jelly stool”. Intussusception is frequently preceded by viral gastroenteritis. The diagnosis is made using ultrasound and the intussusception is treated by ultrasound-guided hydrostatic reduction. Rapid initiation of conservative therapy has a positive impact on the success rate of reduction. In the case of perforation or peritonitis, immediate laparotomy is indicated.     

Infants with radiologic diagnosis of gastric volvulus: are they over-treated?

Gastric volvulus (GV) is a rare condition in infants. The aim of this study was to define the management strategies of infants with GV based on their clinical and radiologic features. The medical records of 13 infants with a radiologically confirmed diagnosis of GV were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into two groups according to the type of treatment (surgical vs conservative). Abdominal radiographs and upper gastrointestinal contrast studies allowed an unequivocal diagnosis in both groups. Group 1 included 3 infants with acute GV and 2 with chronic, intermittent secondary GV. Three patients had associated diaphragmatic defects, 1 had an ileocolic intussusception, and 1 had hypertrophic pyloric stenosis. The main presenting symptoms were vomiting, dehydration, respiratory distress, and abdominal pain and distention in acute cases and vomiting and failure to thrive in chronic cases. A laparotomy was required in all 5 infants with no recurrence of symptoms. Group 2 included 8 infants with idiopathic chronic GV, who were managed nonoperatively with gradual improvement of symptoms over 12 months. Based on our study, we conclude that: (1) laparotomy can be reserved for patients with either acute or chronic secondary GV; (2) conservative treatment is both safe and effective in infants with chronic idiopathic GV; and (3) routine gastropexy for all patients with a radiologic diagnosis of GV appears to be overtreatment. Accepted: 6 November 2000     

Intussusception

Intussusception is the most common cause of intestinal obstruction in infancy and early childhood. It occurs when one segment of bowel (the intussusceptum) invaginates into an adjacent distal segment of bowel (the intussuscepien). The classical presentation is with intermittent abdominal pain, vomiting and redcurrant jelly-like stool. Diagnosis can be accurately confirmed with an ultrasound scan. Initial management is with fluid resuscitation and antibiotics. Following adequate resuscitation, treatment is usually with a non-operative air enema reduction under fluoroscopic guidance. If this fails to completely reduce the intussusception, the air enema may be repeated in patients that are clinically stable. The main risks associated with an air enema are bowel perforation, failed reduction and recurrence. Surgical intervention is indicated in patients presenting with perforation, those that are clinically unstable or where multiple air enemas have failed to reduce the intussusception. Surgery can be performed open or laparoscopic and involves attempted manual reduction of the intussusception and may require bowel resection and anastomosis.     

Jejunal intussusception in children

Jejunal intussusception in children is an uncommon form of intussusception often presenting with chronic intermittent abdominal pain and weight loss. Two cases of jejunal intussusception caused by enteric duplication are presented. It is concluded that in the absence of generalized small bowel disease, enteric duplication is the most likely cause of jejunal intussusception in children.     

Childhood intussusception in Ile-Ife, Nigeria.

A retrospective review of 41 intussusceptions encountered in 39 children seen over an 8-year period in Ile-Ife, Nigeria is presented. Most cases (61.5%) occurred in infancy. This contrasts with previous reports from Nigeria where intussusception has been presented as being commoner in older children. Vomiting, abdominal pain, excessive crying and passage of bloodstained stools were the main presenting symptoms. An abdominal mass was palpable in only 28.2% of patients. Generally, patients presented late in hospital with only two (5.1%) arriving within 24 hours of the onset of illness. Hydrostatic reduction with barium enema was attempted in these two patients, and it successfully reduced the intussusception in one and caused partial reduction in the other. Nineteen patients (46.3%) required bowel resection. There were nine deaths, giving a mortality rate of 23.1%. The relatively high bowel resection and mortality rates were attributed to the delay in seeking medical treatment.     

Abdominal tuberculosis presenting as ileocolic intussusception in an infant.

Intussusception is the most common cause of intestinal obstruction in children, with a peak in children 5 to 7 months of age. Identifiable causes are found in 90% of adults, whereas in infants and young children the majority are idiopathic. We report a case of abdominal tuberculosis (ATB) presenting as an ileocolic intussusception in an infant. A 6-month-old infant presented with features of acute intestinal obstruction. Peroperatively, ileocolic intussusception was found. Histological examination revealed caseating epitheloid cell granulomas with positivity for acid-fast bacilli. Only 3 cases of ATB presenting as intussusception have been previously reported in the literature, with only 1 case presenting in a child. This appears to be the 2nd case of ATB presenting as an intussusception in a child and also in an infant. Tuberculosis should also be kept in the differential diagnosis of lead point of intussusception, even in the age group in which most cases are idiopathic, especially in endemic areas.     

Gastrointestinal manifestations in Henoch-Schönlein purpura: a review of 261 patients

Aim: Henoch‐Schönlein purpura is an IgA‐mediated autoimmune vasculitis of children. It often presents with symptoms including purpuric rash, abdominal pain, renal involvement or arthritis. Abdominal pain is a frequent symptom in children with HSP and raises the suspicion of intussusception or perforation. We sought to evaluate abdominal pain via stool occult blood and image studies. Methods: A retrospective study of 261 patients diagnosed with Henoch‐Schönlein purpura from December 1991 to December 2001 was conducted. Image studies, including abdominal echo, abdominal CT and panendoscopy, were performed for patients who suffered from abdominal pain. Results: Of the 261 patients, 151 (58%) had abdominal pain, and 46 (17.6%) suffered either overt gastrointestinal bleeding or had positive stool occult blood. Seven patients had gross bloody stools. One acute intussusception and one bowel perforation were noted. One patient suffered from hypovolemic shock due to massive gastrointestinal bleeding. When stool occult blood was 3+ or 4+, the incidence of a positive image finding was high. Conclusion: We found that stool occult blood and image studies may be necessary regarding severe gastrointestinal involvement. Ultrasonography is an important tool when intussusception or bowel perforation is suspected. Monitoring the vital signs is important, especially in patients with massive gastrointestinal bleeding.     

Postoperative intussusceptions in children and infants: a systematic review

Background

Postoperative intussusception (POI) is an unusual complication in children and infants who underwent various kinds of surgery. The early recognition was difficult for its rarity and atypical presentations. This study evaluates the clinical features of POI through a literature review.

Methods

MEDLINE database was searched for relevant articles that reported the children and infants with POI since 1990 in English-language using the key word “postoperative intussusception”. All published studies containing clinical data for POI in children and infants were included. Reference lists of retrieved articles were reviewed for additional cases. Detailed data of the included cases were extracted and analyzed.

Results

Twenty-six studies with total 127 cases of POI were included. According to the extracted data, the median age was 19 months with the male-to-female ratio 1.5:1. There were 65 operations (51.2 %) that involved gastrointestinal system, 26 cases (20.5 %) of retroperitoneal tumor resection, 12 operations (9.4 %) involved diaphragm, 8 operations (6.3 %) involved urinary system, 5 cases (3.9 %) of partial pancreatectomy, 11 cases (8.7 %) of non-abdominal operations. 75.5 % presented symptoms in the first 7 days after surgery. The prominent symptom was bilious vomiting or increased nasogastric output (87.1 % of 101 patients), following abdominal distention (74.3 %), abdominal pain (35.6 %). Six cases (5.0 %) of ileocolic POI were reduced successfully by air enema. The small bowel intussusception attributed 85.6 % of POI (95 patients). Laparotomy and manual reduction were performed in 104 cases (86.0 %). Nine patients (7.4 %) underwent intestinal resection and anastomosis.

Conclusions

POI should be suspected in pediatric surgical patients who showed signs of intestinal obstruction in the early postoperative period. Early recognition and prompt management are important.     

Superior mesenteric artery syndrome: Risk factor for duodenal involvement in Henoch–Schönlein purpura

Background: The anatomical location of the third portion of the duodenum is between the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and the abdominal aorta (AA). When the aorto‐mesenteric angle (AMA) is small and the aorto‐mesenteric distance (AMD) is short, the duodenum becomes tightly compressed between these two blood vessels. Severe compression can obstruct the duodenum, resulting in vomiting and abdominal pain. This clinical condition is termed superior mesenteric artery syndrome (SMA syndrome). The duodenum is frequently affected in Henoch–Schönlein purpura (HSP). The aim of the present study was to verify that duodenal anatomy mimicking SMA syndrome is a risk factor for duodenal involvement and abdominal pain in HSP. Methods: A prospective case–control study involving 12 HSP patients compared with 48 age‐ and sex‐matched children (controls) was conducted. Bowel abnormalities were defined as thickened wall >3 mm and paralytic ileus detected on ultrasound. AMA, AMD and obesity index (OI) were compared between the two groups on Mann–Whitney testing. The correlation between duodenal bowel abnormalities and SMA syndrome was examined using Fisher's exact test. Results: AMA, AMD and OI were significantly smaller in the HSP patients (P < 0.001, 0.003 and 0.026, respectively). All HSP patients, but only 10 controls, met the ultrasound diagnostic criteria for SMA syndrome (100% vs 20.8%, P < 0.001). Conclusions: Duodenal compression by SMA against the AA, which mimics SMA syndrome, may lead to duodenal bowel abnormalities with abdominal pain in thin children with HSP.     

Air enema for intussusception: Is predicting the outcome important?

Air enema is the treatment of choice for childhood intussusceptions. Although peritonitis is the established contraindication, studies have attempted to identify factors that affect the outcome of air enema. In our series we studied the impact of such factors on the clinical scenario to determine if it was important to predict the outcome of air enema. We retrospectively reviewed the records of 179 children who underwent air enema for intussusception at our institution over a 5-year period. Abdominal colic was present in 144 children, vomiting in 139 and rectal bleeding in 108 children. The duration of symptoms was less than 24 h in 131 children. An abdominal mass was present in 121 children, rectal prolapse of intussusception in 14, dehydration in 31 and small bowel obstruction in 27 children. The success rate of air enema was calculated. All clinical features were analyzed for impact on outcome using univariate and multivariate analysis. The extent of this impact on the clinical scenario was examined. Air enema was successful in 157 cases (89%). One child developed a perforation during the procedure (0.6%). The recurrence rate was 8%. Using χ² test, success of air enema was reduced in the presence of rectal bleeding, rectal prolapse of intussusception, dehydration, and small bowel obstruction. This reduction was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Using logistic regression analysis, the success of air enema was significantly reduced (P < 0.05) only in the presence of prolapsing rectal intussusception (57%) and small bowel obstruction (52%). Small bowel obstruction and prolapsing rectal intussusceptions merely reduce the success of air enema and do not increase the complications. Since the success of air enema is very high, it must be attempted in all children with the exception of peritonitis. Predicting the outcome is not crucial because of the high success rate and low complication rate.     

Rectal prolapse of intussusception--a single institution's experience.

AIM: The objective was to study the clinical presentation and outcome of intussusceptions prolapsing rectally. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was done of 198 children who presented with intussusception at a single institution over a 5-year period. Of this group, the data of children with intussusception prolapsing rectally was studied. RESULTS: The incidence of prolapsing intussusception in this series was 8%. All 16 patients were infants with an average age of 5 months. The most common presenting features were rectal bleeding and abdominal mass. Only 56% of children had abdominal pain. 4/16 children had abdominal distension and 4 had dehydration. The duration of symptoms was less than 48 hours in 14/16 patients. Air enema reduction (AER) was attempted in 14/16 patients and was successful in 8 patients. The success rate of AER was 57%. One patient developed a perforation during AER. Manual reduction was done in six patients who failed AER and in two patients in whom AER was not attempted because of prolonged duration of symptoms (> 48 hrs). There were no recurrences in this series. CONCLUSION: The incidence of intussusceptions prolapsing rectally is high in this series. It can present in the absence of the cardinal symptoms of intussusception. A high index of clinical suspicion is necessary to make the diagnosis. AER is often successful and must be attempted in children who do not have contraindications for this procedure.     

An unusual care of intestinal invagination: jejunojejunal invagination]

BACKGROUND: Jejunal intussusception is uncommon in comparison with ileocolic form. It is more frequent in children over 2 years of age and has an atypical subacute presentation. An underlying anatomical cause is usually found. CASE REPORT: A 14-year-old boy was admitted for abdominal pain with bilious vomiting. The physical examination was normal, with only the ultrasonography showing an intussusception in the left hypochondrium. At laparotomy the diagnosis of jejunal intussusception was made; its reduction was impossible. A resection and end to end anastomosis was performed. The anatomopathology examination found a polyp in ectopic gastric mucosa. CONCLUSION: Jejunal intussusception must be better understood as its diagnosis could be made too late. Surgical exploration is the treatment of choice because of the usual underlying anatomical cause.     

Management and outcomes of paediatric ileocolic intussusception at a paediatric tertiary care hospital: A retrospective cohort study

BackgroundRapid reduction of ileocolic intussusception is important to minimize the compromise in blood flow to the affected bowel segment. This study aimed to quantify the potentially modifiable time between diagnosis and initiation of pneumatic reduction, identify factors associated with delays, and characterize the outcomes of pneumatic reduction in a recent cohort.MethodsThis retrospective observational study occurred at a tertiary care paediatric hospital with a consecutive sample of all children with ileocolic intussusception September 2015 through September 2018. The primary outcome was the time between ultrasound diagnosis of intussusception and the beginning of pneumatic reduction. Independent variables were age of the patient, time of day of arrival, transfer from another facility, and intravenous access prior to ultrasound. Outcomes of pneumatic reduction were expressed as proportions.ResultsThere were 103 cases of ileocolic intussusception (among 257,282 visits) during the study period. The median time between diagnostic confirmation and initiation of reduction was 36 minutes. This was shorter for transferred patients and children with intravenous access prior to ultrasound. One perforation was identified at the beginning of reduction, without hemodynamic instability. Six children (5.8%) underwent either open (n=4) or laparoscopic surgery (n=2) for reduction failure.ConclusionThe median delay between diagnosis and initiation of reduction at this paediatric hospital was short, especially among patients transferred with a suspicion of intussusception and children with intravenous access prior to diagnosis. Complications from pneumatic reduction were infrequent.     

儿童炎症性肠病临床及结肠镜下特点分析

目的 探讨儿童炎症性肠病的临床特点,分析结肠镜及活组织学检查对疾病诊断的重要性.方法 研究在我院住院的34例炎症性肠病患儿的临床表现、实验室检查、结肠镜下特点及活检组织学特点,分析其诊断价值.其中克罗恩病(CD)10例,溃疡性结肠炎(UC)24例.结果 CD组中,轻-中度活动型4例,重度活动型6例.临床表现以腹痛多见(80%,8/10);并发症:肠穿孔1例,肠梗阻2例,肛瘘2例.UC组中,轻度5例,中度14例,重度5例.临床表现以腹泻为主(23/24,96%);肛周疾病3例,并发慢性肠套叠1例.CD组血沉、C反应蛋白水平较UC组高(X2=15.938、11.184,P均<0.01).10例CD中,小肠结肠型6例(60%),结肠型1例(10%),小肠捌3例(30%).结肠镜下表现有节段性分布、溃疡多样性、修复性改变、部分肠管狭窄僵硬等特点.24例UC中,全结肠累及者6例(25%),乙状结肠、直肠累及者14例(58%),左半结肠累及者7例(29%),结肠镜下表现为连续性黏膜充血水肿、糜烂,多发浅溃疡多见,溃疡多不规则,7例(29%)可见假息肉形成,黏膜桥未见.CD活检组织学均有淋巴细胞浸润,1例见裂隙状溃疡,2例见上皮性肉芽肿.UC活检标本均有多量中性粒细胞、淋巴细胞、浆细胞等炎性细胞浸润表现,其中4例(17%)见隐窝脓肿.结论 儿童炎症性肠病的临床特点具有非特异性,结肠镜结合组织活检对UC的诊断有可靠的价值.对于结肠型或小肠结肠型CD,结肠镜检查有重要意义,组织活检特异性不高,可多部位、深凿活检以提高阳性率,协助诊断.     

Recurrent bowel intussusception and celiac disease

We report a 1-year-old girl with acute abdominal pain. Clinical examination revealed distended abdomen with increased intestinal peristalsis without other pathologic signs. Ultrasound of the abdomen showed a small bowel intussusception. Seven days later, after a new episode of sudden acute abdominal pain, ultrasound revealed a new bowel intussusception. Ig A and Ig G antigliadin-antibodies were elevated and intestinal biopsy revealed total villous atrophy. After being placed on a gluten-free diet the girl was free of colicky complaints and on repeated ultrasound there was no sign of intussusception. With recurrent intussusception, celiac disease should be considered as a cause.     

Chronic intussusception associated with ileocecal lymphosarcoma.

A 1011/12-year-old boy with chronic ileocolic intussusception associated with ileocecal lymphosarcoma was decribed. The patient had abdominal pain of 3 months' duration, vomiting, and a firm mass with smooth surface in the right lower abdomen. Barium enema showed intussusception at the distal part of the ascending colon, which was irreducible by hydrostatic pressure. Barium by mouth revealed markedly distended small intestines, which were displaced to the left abdomen. The tumor was inoperable, and the boy died.     

Diagnosing abdominal pain in a pediatric emergency department.

We undertook a prospective study of 377 children (two to 16 years old) presenting with abdominal pain to determine: 1) common discharge diagnoses; 2) what signs and symptoms are associated with appendicitis; and 3) follow-up of patients discharged from the emergency department (ED). Nine diagnoses accounted for 86% of all diagnoses made. The most common final diagnosis was "abdominal pain" (36%). The following findings were significantly associated with appendicitis: vomiting, right lower quadrant(RLQ) pain, tenderness, and guarding (all P less than 0.001). Ninety-seven percent (28/29) of patients with appendicitis had at least two of these four signs and symptoms, as did 28% (96/348) of patients without appendicitis. The sensitivity of the model is 0.96, and the specificity is 0.72 (positive predictive value = 0.24; negative predictive value = 0.99). Of the patients contacted within one week of the visit (237), 75% reported that the pain had resolved (mean contact time, 2.6 days). We conclude that 1) patients presenting to the ED with abdominal pain often leave with the diagnosis of abdominal pain; 2) of the patients contacted, the majority reported that their pain has resolved; and 3) a diagnosis of appendicitis should be considered in any patient with any two of the following signs or symptoms: vomiting, guarding, tenderness, or RLQ pain. Such patients should be evaluated and observed carefully for the possible diagnosis of appendicitis.