Intussusception in children: Comparison between ultrasound diagnosis and operation findings in a tropical developing country

Abstract

Background: Intussusception is one of the more common causes of intestinal obstruction in children. The diagnosis may be based mainly on  clinical features; however, there are no classic signs and symptoms that are common to all cases. This study reports our experience at US  diagnosis and operation fi ndings of children with intussusceptions in a tropical developing economy.

Materials and Methods: This was an 8 years retrospective review of intussusceptions in children in a tertiary health facility in a tropical  developing country from January 2004 to December 2011.

Results: Twenty five out of 41 children (M:F = 2.2:1) admitted with intussusceptions within the period were studied. The median age was 6.0 ± 5.57 months (range 3 months- 7 years). US positively diagnosed  intussusceptions in 20 (80%) cases.

Conclusion: US can increase diagnostic confidence in intussusceptions.

Key words: Children, intussusception, operation findings, tropical  developing country, ultra-sonography