Air contrast enema reduction of single and recurrent ileocolic intussusceptions in children: patterns,management and outcomes

Background

There is no consensus as to when surgical intervention should be considered for recurrent ileocolic intussusceptions in a stable patient after previous successful air contrast enema.

Objective

To review the patterns of ileocolic intussusceptions, air contrast enema success rates, and pathologic lead point rates in patients with and without recurrence to evaluate whether treatment outcomes depend on the number and timing between episodes.

Materials and methods

We retrospectively reviewed 683 children with air contrast enema performed for ileocolic intussusception between January 2000 and May 2018. Recurrent intussusceptions were separated into mutually exclusive categories: short-term only (≤7 days between episodes) and long-term (>7 days between episodes) intussusceptions. Long-term recurrences included both long-term only and long- and short-term intussusceptions.

Results

Of the 683 patients, 606 (89%) had at least 1 successful air contrast enema. Of the 606, 115 (19%) had recurrent intussusceptions after successful reduction. The air contrast enema success rate for a single intussusception was 86% (491/568) and for recurrent intussusceptions was 96% (110/115) (P=0.004). Single and recurrent intussusceptions had similar pathologic lead point rates (3.5% vs. 4.3%; P=0.593). Short-term and long-term recurrences did not differ in air contrast enema success rates (96% vs. 95%). Long-term recurrences had higher pathologic lead point rate compared to short-term only (13% vs. 0%; P=0.003). Of short-term recurrences, 99% (76/77) were ≤5 intussusceptions; 92% had successful air contrast enema without surgery.

Conclusion

The majority of recurrent intussusceptions were successfully treated by air contrast enema. Short-term recurrences have lower pathologic lead point rates, suggesting that a higher surgical threshold may be plausible relative to long-term recurrences. In the appropriate clinical context, repeat air contrast enemas are a safe option for short-term recurrences, which can be attempted at least five times, potentially precluding the need for surgical intervention.

     

Intussusception: recurrence following gas (oxygen) enema reduction

Over a 38-month period, prospective data were collected on all episodes of intussusception treated at the Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne. There were 170 initial episodes for which a gas enema was performed, 127 of which were reduced successfully. Recurence occured in 10 patients following initial successful gas enema reduction, a recurrence rate of 7.9%, which compares with a recurrence rate of 8.9% with barium (P = 0.896). We conclude that the gas enema does not have a higher rate of recurrence than barium and that there is no evidence of a significant incidence of incomplete reduction unrecognised at the time of gas enema. Correspondence to: S. W. Beasley     

Incidence of recurrent intussusception following barium versus air enema

The aim of this study was to determine whether using air enema for acute intussusception is related to a higher rate of recurrence than other methods of treatment. A 10-y (1986-95) retrospective study was performed in a university-affiliated paediatric division. The overall recurrence rate for 97 patients with acute intussusception was 7.8% (10% of whom were treated non-surgically). There were no recurrences following the surgical treatment. In matched groups of patients, no risk factors were found for recurrence following air vs barium enema.     

直肠肛管测压对新生儿先天性巨结肠诊断意义的研究

目的探讨直肠肛管测压对新生儿先天性巨结肠(HD)的诊断价值。方法对我院2003年1月～2005年6月收治的75例临床拟诊为HD的新生儿进行直肠肛管测压,并与钡剂灌肠检查结果及病理结果进行比较。结果75例临床疑诊为HD的新生儿中,经直肠全层病理活检52例,其中48例直肠肛管测压提示HD;2例病理活检正常,其中1例直肠肛管测压未见异常,另1例直肠肛管测压提示HD;2例病理活检诊断为HD,而直肠肛管测压未见异常。本组直肠肛管测压诊断新生儿先天性巨结肠阳性率为92.3%,假阳性率为1.9%,阴性率为1.9%,假阴性率为3.8%。结论新生儿期直肠肛管测压诊断HD,方法简单、安全、无损伤,诊断特异性高。     

Pediatric barium enema examination: Optimizing patient selection with univariate and multivariate analyses

We prospectively evaluated a total of nineteen symptoms, signs, and laboratory findings in 471 of 557 consecutive pediatric patients (from newborn to age 17) referred for barium enema examinations, to determine predictors of an abnormal study. A univariate analysis was performed, and a logistic regression model was developed. The most frequent indicators for the barium enema examinations were abdominal pain (48%), constipation (27%) and tenderness (25%). Twenty-two percent of the examination were abnormal, and the most common diagnoses were intussusception (n=22), appendicitis (n=17), infectious colitis (n=15), and Hirschsprung disease (n=14). The indicators that were most helpful to predict a barium enema abnormality were abdominal mass, leukocytosis, guaiac-positive stools, diarrhea, anemia, tenderness, and age less than 1 year. If barium enema examinations were performed only when at least one of the predictive indicators was present, 29% of examinations would be eliminated, and 4.8% of patients with detectable disease would be missed. The data indicate that identification of certain clinical variables can provide an effective initial strategy for selecting patients to undergo barium enema examinations.     

The impact of imaging in the management of intussusception owing to pathologic lead points in children

OBJECTIVE: To review the imaging appearances, management and outcome of a large number of children with intussusception owing to pathologic lead points (PLP) in an attempt to define the role of various imaging modalities in this clinical setting. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Review of the records and imaging studies of 43 children with intussusception due to PLP diagnosed between 1986 and 1999. RESULTS: The commonest PLP found were Meckel diverticulum, polyps, Henoch-Schonlein purpura and cystic fibrosis. PLP were depicted on sonography in 23 (66%) of 35 patients, on computed tomography in 5 (71%) of 7, on air enema in 3 (11%) of 28, and on barium enema in 6 (40%) of 15. Air enema successfully reduced 60% of the intussusceptions. Nine children had recurrent intussusceptions. CONCLUSION: Sonography depicted two-thirds of PLP and provided a specific diagnosis in nearly one-third of our series. Our review does not provide sufficient data on how to continue the investigation of those patients in whom sonography does not depict a PLP but in whom there is a high index of suspicion for its presence. It remains a diagnostic challenge as to how to search for PLP in these patients, and other imaging modalities have to be requested according to each particular case.     

Preliminary evaluation of anorectal manometry in diagnosing Hirschsprung’s disease in neonates

Purpose  The aim of this paper was to assess the clinical value of anorectal manometry (ARMM) in the diagnosing of Hirschsprung’s disease (HD) in neonates. Methods  From January 2003 to June 2005, 75 patients in whom HD was clinically suspected were analyzed. ARMM was performed using a desk, high rate gastrointestinal dynamic detection system and the results were compared with barium enema and rectal suction biopsy. Results  Based on rectal suction biopsies in 52 of 75 patients, the positive, false positive, negative, and false negative rates of ARMM in the diagnosis of HD in neonates were found to be 92.3, 1.9, 1.9, and 3.8%, respectively. Forty-three of 75 patients were diagnosed with HD by both ARMM and barium enema and the diagnoses were validated by pathologic results. The diagnosis of HD was excluded in 18 patients in whom HD was clinically suspected, but in whom the results of ARMM and barium enema were normal. Twelve patients who had ARMM results consistent with HD and a negative barium enema, had serial ARMM performed; a rectoanal inhibitory reflex (RAIR) was elicited in four patients, thereby excluding HD and the remaining eight patients were diagnosed with HD by review of barium enema and pathologic results. One of two patients with a positive barium enema for HD, but an ARMM showing the presence of RAIR was excluded by pathologic results and the other patient was lost to follow-up. The diagnostic accuracies of ARMM and barium enema for HD in neonates were 93.3 and 86.7%, respectively. There was no difference in rectal resting pressure and anal rhythmic wave frequency between neonates with HD and healthy neonates, but neonates with HD had higher anal sphincter pressures than healthy neonates (P = 0.0074). Conclusions  ARMM is a simple, safe, and non-invasive method with high specificity for the diagnosis of HD in neonates.     

Is barium enema reduction safe and effective in patients with a long duration of intussusception?

The aim of this study was to determine whether barium enema reduction (BER) is safe and effective in patients with a long duration of intussusception. Over the last 17 years, 104 patients were admitted to our hospital with a diagnosis of intussusception. All except 1 with peritonitis underwent BER primarily. Of the 103 intussusceptions treated primarily by BER, 84 (82%) were reduced by the enema alone, whereas 19 (18%) underwent surgical reduction. There were no differences in mean duration of disease between the patients with successful and failed enema reduction (successful: 15 ± 14 h; failures: 14 ± 11 h, P = 0.6). The success rate of BER was 85% within 12 h of symptoms, 76% for 12–24 h, and 71% for more than 24 h. Of 8 cases with a second trial, 4 (50%) were reduced by repeated barium enema. There were no deaths and no intestinal perforations. The success rate of more than 70% even in patients with a long duration of intussusception suggests that BER is safe and effective regardless of the duration of the disease. Accepted: 4 September 1998     

Infantile Hirschsprung's disease — is a barium enema useful?

This study examined the usefulness of barium enema examination in the diagnosis and evaluation of extent of aganglionosis in the 1st year of life. Twenty-four cases of Hirschsprung's disease in children less than 1 year of age were diagnosed from 1981 to 1989; 17 infants had a barium enema performed. A correct diagnosis was made by barium enema in 13 of the 17 infants, with the level of transition being correctly identified in only 8. Operative assessment of the cone was accurate in 14 of 24 infants, indicating that operative biopsy is always required. Therefore, the barium enema had a 24% false-negative rate in the diagnosis of Hirschsprung's disease and a 53% error rate in determining the level of transition. In the investigation of an infant with a low bowel obstruction, the initial procedure suggested is a rectal washout. If this results in relief of the obstruction, it should be followed by a rectal biopsy. A barium enema adds insignificant information. Offprint requests to: D. CassPaper presented at the Australian Association of Paediatric Surgeons Annual meeting, October 1989     

Allergic colitis: a mimic of Hirschsprung disease

Background. Allergy to cow milk protein is a common cause of gastrointestinal symptoms in infancy. Milk allergy is usually a clinical diagnosis, and thus there have been few reports of the radiographic findings. Objective. To describe the barium enema findings of allergic colitis and differentiate them from Hirschsprung disease. Materials and methods. Four infants (age range 7 days–5 weeks) with constipation underwent barium enema to exclude Hirschsprung disease. Radiographic findings were correlated with the pathologic specimens from suction rectal biopsy. Results. All enemas revealed irregular narrowing of the rectum and a transition zone. Rectal biopsies in each case demonstrated ganglion cells and evidence of an allergic colitis, with inflammatory infiltrates in the lamina propria. A diagnosis of milk allergy colitis was made and symptoms resolved after removal of milk from the diet. Conclusions. Milk allergy is common in infancy. The rectum is a primary target organ, with allergic colitis often diagnosed on clinical grounds alone. However, a child with allergic colitis may be referred to radiology for barium enema, especially if constipation is present. The radiologist should be aware of the unique imaging findings of allergic colitis, so as to avoid confusion with Hirschsprung disease and perhaps an unnecessary rectal biopsy. Received: 11 March 1998 Accepted: 15 June 1998     

Intussusception--current trends in management.

Barium enema reductions were attempted in 65 (90%) of 72 intussusceptions, of which 51 (79%) were successful. This represents a success rate of 70% overall. The average hospital stay was 3 1/2 days. There was no mortality and, apart from a recurrence rate of 10%, no morbidity. It is suggested that barium enema reduction should be the treatment of choice provided that there is an emergency service of a paediatric radiologist and the patient is adequately resuscitated, the only absolute contraindication being evidence of pneumatosis intestinalis or peritonitis. Those patients who presented with shock, rectal bleeding, duration of symptoms longer than 48 hours, and pronounced degree of bowel obstruction had a higher rate of unsuccessful reduction. However, only the last two were significant. Further, provided that the clinical condition remains satisfactory and the reduction has been achieved to the caecum a repeat barium enema after some hours may be successful in achieving reflux of contrast into the ileum, confirming complete reduction.     

Diagnosis and surgical treatment of isolated hypoganglionosis

Background

Some patients suspected with Hirschsprung’s disease (HD), however, were diagnosed as having isolated hypoganglionosis according to the updated pathohistologic methods. This study was undertaken to investigate the diagnostic methods and the therapeutic results of isolated hypoganglionosis in children.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was made on 17 patients with isolated hypoganglionosis (hypoganglionosis group) identified pathologically after operation. The data included clinical presentations, barium enema, anorectal manometry, histochemical staining for acetylcholinesterase (AChE) before operation, histological results after operation and follow-up outcomes. The data of hypoganglionosis with HD (HD group) were compared retrospectively.

Results

Common complaint of the patients with hypoganglionosis and HD was intractable constipation. Barium enema showed typical narrowing and distended segment of the colon in 9 patients in the hypoganglionosis group (9/16) and in 15 patients in the HD group (15/18). In the hypoganglionosis group, in 15 patients who underwent anorectal manometry only 5 showed absent rectal anal inhibitory reflex, significantly lower than the rate in the HD group (17/18) (P<0.05). From 16 patients in hypoganglionosis group, positive staining for AChE was noted in 3 patients (3/16, 18.8%), significantly lower than that in the HD group (16/18, 88.9%) (P<0.05). Thirteen patients in the hypoganglionosis group received subtotal colectomy, while only 5 patients needed subtotal colectomy in the HD group. In the hypoganglionosis group, except 2 patients who suffered from mild enterocolitis after operation and recovered after conservative therapy, all patients recovered uneventfully without wound dehiscence, intestinal fistula, fecal incontinence or constipation recurrence. In the HD group, one patient suffered from anastomotic leak and got secondary operation, one patient had anastomotic stricture at 1 year after operation and recovered by dilatation, and other three patients suffered from mild enterocolitis after operation and recovered after conservative therapy.

Conclusions

Hypoganglionosis is a common disease, and could be finally confirmed by full-thickness biopsies in different bowel segments. The resection range can be estimated according to barium enema and 24-hour delayed X-ray findings, by which the satisfactory result in short-term follow-up can be obtained.     

Outcome of submucosal injection of different sclerosing materials for rectal prolapse in children

Parasitic infestations, mainly enterobiasis and amoebiasis, and poor toilet training practices are commonly associated with rectal prolapse in developing countries. Injection sclerotherapy is one of the commonly used modalities for treating partial rectal prolapse in children. Various materials are available for such injection, but each has its advantages and complications. Comparing different materials used in the treatment of such pathology form the basis of this study trying to define the best material with the least complications. Data records of 130 children with partial rectal prolapse referred to the Department of Pediatric Surgery at Al Galaa Teaching Hospital, Cairo, over a 3-year period were analyzed. Their ages ranged from 6 months to 12 years (mean 6.14 years ±3.4). Forty-five patients (35%) responded to conservative treatment, and 85 patients (65%) required injection sclerotherapy and were divided into three groups: Group 1 (35 patients) was injected with 98% ethyl alcohol, group 2 (22 patients) was injected with phenol in almond oil 5%, and group 3 (28 patients) was injected with Deflux (Q-Med, Uppsala, Sweden). The follow-up period ranged from 2 months to 3 years; clinical data and all complications were recorded. Submucosal injection of the three sclerosing materials showed no mortality in this series, but in group 1, seven had recurrence on short-term follow-up that required reinjection, and long-term follow-up in this group showed a recurrence rate of 11% (four patients), plus two patients had mucosal sloughing and one girl developed a rectovaginal fistula. Group 2 showed abscess formation and mucosal sloughing in four patients (18%), and two developed perianal fistula. Group 3 showed immediate postoperative prolapse in two cases that ameliorated spontaneously. No patients had mucosal ulceration or abscess formation, and long-term follow-up showed no recurrence. Deflux had the lowest complication rate with no recurrence on long-term follow-up. Phenol in almond oil 5% injection should not be used for treating such conditions because of its high complication rate. Alcohol is commercially cheap and available and should be considered an alternative for Deflux.     

Intussusception reduced by barium enema. Outcome and short-term follow-up

A retrospective study was performed of 88 consecutive cases of intussusception that occurred during a 3-year period. Forty-eight patients experienced hydrostatic reduction of intussusception with barium enema and 40 patients required surgical correction of intussusception when barium enema reduction was unsuccessful. Patients with fever or duration of symptoms greater than 24 hours, or ileo-ileocolic type of intussusception had a significantly greater rate of unsuccessful hydrostatic reduction (p less than 0.001). Of 48 cases of intussusception hydrostatically reduced by barium enema, 47 patients received repeat physical examination after reduction, 45 having normal findings. Oral feeding was tolerated in these 47 patients within 12 hours after reduction. All 41 hospitalized patients were discharged within 24 hours of reduction without developing complication; of seven non-hospitalized patients, six reported no complications during the initial 24 hour post-reduction period. The single complication that occurred was recurrence of intussusception (ileo-ileocolic type) in a patient 6 hours after initial reduction; this was the only case in which neither post-reduction physical examination nor trial of feeding had been performed. Children with intussusception hydrostatically reduced by barium enema are at low risk for complication during the subsequent 24 hour post-reduction period. When the pre-reduction course has been relatively uncomplicated, the post-reduction physical examination does not reveal abnormalities, and the patient is able to tolerate oral feeding, close outpatient monitoring appears to be safe.     

Pseudotumoral cecum after hydrostatic reduction of intussusception

The authors report two cases of intestinal intussusception successfully reduced by hydrostatic pressure. A postreduction filling defect in the cecum disappeared spontaneously on follow-up barium enema, and is therefore consistent with cecal edema. It appears an initial period of close observation for such cases is worthwhile, delaying the decision about surgery until after a follow-up barium enema; this may confirm the disappearance of the filling defect.     

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.     

Predictors for recurrence after urethroplasty in pediatric and adolescent stricture urethra

ObjectiveThis study aims at evaluating factors predicting recurrence of urethral stricture following urethroplasty in pediatric patients at a tertiary care center.Patients and methodsFifty-two patients of up to 18 years of age, who underwent urethroplasty, were reviewed. Duration of symptoms, etiology, previous intervention, and site of stricture, surgical modality, stricture length, and spongiofibrosis at stricture site, recurrence, and ancillary procedures required were recorded.ResultsForty-two (82.76%) patients (Group I) had recurrence-free course on follow-up. Of the 10 patients with recurrence (Group II), 9 had PTS and 1 had IS (p = 0.04). Most of the factors evaluated did not differ statistically between the groups; however, length of stricture (1.8 vs. 4.3 cm, p < 0.001) and degree of spongiofibrosis (61% vs. 90%, p = 0.003) were significantly different. Seven patients with recurrence were managed with single procedures, but three required multiple procedures because of multiple recurrences. History of incision and drainage for paraurethral abscess was significantly higher (28.6% vs. 100%, p = 0.002) in patients who had multiple recurrences.ConclusionsEtiology, fibrosis at local site, and stricture length have significant impact on recurrence of pediatric urethral stricture disease. Associated paraurethral abscess may further compromise the outcome of urethroplasty.     

超声助显剂灌肠与X线钡灌肠在先天性巨结肠诊断中的应用价值

目的探讨超声助显剂灌肠与X线钡灌肠在先天性巨结肠诊断中的应用价值。方法以贵阳市妇幼保健院39例经直肠黏膜活检及手术病理确诊的先天性巨结肠患者为研究对象,同时行超声助显剂灌肠以及X线钡灌肠检查,对诊断结果进行对比分析。结果超声助显剂灌肠诊断先天性巨结肠阳性36例,真阳性率为92.3%(36/39)。根据狭窄痉挛段累及范围分型:常见型19例,短段型6例,超短型4例,长段型4例,全结肠型3例,漏诊3例。X线钡灌肠诊断先天性巨结肠阳性35例,真阳性率为89.7%(35/39),其中常见型18例,短段型5例,超短型3例,长段型4例,全结肠型5例,漏诊4例。超声助显剂灌肠以及X线钡灌肠检查诊断结果差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);两者联合诊断先天性巨结肠38例,诊断真阳性率为97.4%(38/39),其中常见型19例,短段型6例,超短型4例,长段型4例,全结肠型5例,漏诊1例。与单用一种检查方法相比,联合诊断真阳性率更高(P<0.05)。结论超声助显剂灌肠与X线钡灌肠在先天性巨结肠的诊断中均可提供较为可靠的影像学依据,二者均可作为常规无创检查手段。     

Comparison of absorbed radiation doses in barium and air enema reduction of intussusception: A phantom study

Objective. We assessed the relative radiation load in patients undergoing hydrostatic and pneumatic reduction of childhood intussusception.Materials and methods In a phantom study we simulated two situations occurring during reduction of intussusception. The absorbed radiation dose was measured at several positions in the phantom using either barium sulphate (BaSO₄) or air in the simulated reduction, combined with either automatic exposure control (AEC) or constant exposure rate (CER) at fluoroscopy. From these values the mean absorbed dose was calculated for different depth compartments within the phantom.Results. In the barium study the mean absorbed dose averaged over the total irradiated volume was 14–23 % lower when CER was used instead of AEC; in the air study the dose was 35–43 % lower when AEC was used instead of CER. The combination of air and AEC provided the lowest mean absorbed dose in the tissue. The barium enema created a low-radiation zone, which might be utilized for protecting radiation sensitive tissue.Conclusion. The use of BaSO₄ or air in reduction of intussusception requires the proper combination with CER and AEC, respectively, to minimize the radiation load to the patient; the lowest radiation load is obtained by using air and AEC.     

Acute suppurative thyroiditis in children secondary to pyriform sinus fistula

Acute suppurative thyroiditis (AST), a potential complication of pyriform sinus fistula (PSF), is a rare clinical condition as the thyroid gland is remarkably resistant to infections. Lack of awareness of the entity contributes to the rarity and frustrating recurrences. We performed a retrospective review of all cases of AST due to PSF treated at our institution over a 10-year period. The clinical data, investigations, operative findings and procedures, microbial culture reports and follow-up were recorded and analyzed. Between January 1997 and September 2006, 12 cases (8 males and 4 females) of AST due to PSF were treated. Nine patients (75%) underwent successful complete excision, seven of whom had initial incision and drainage procedures. In three patients (25%) with recurrence, one underwent complete excision at a later procedure, one patient had multiple recurrences with six incision and drainage procedures and two failed attempts of excision of PSF before final successful complete excision. The third patient is awaiting re-excision of the PSF tract. All patients, except the one awaiting re-excision, are well with no further recurrences during the follow-up period that ranged from 18 to 96 months (median, 46.5 months). AST due to PSF is a challenging entity in terms of diagnosis and management as recurrences are common despite meticulous dissection. High index of suspicion and radiological investigations such as barium studies and computed tomography scan aid in the delineation and excision of the fistulous tract.