Eur J Pediatr Surg 2006; 16(6): 420-422
DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-924732
Original Article

Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart, New York · Masson Editeur Paris

Rectal Prolapse of Intussusception - A Single Institution's Experience

P. Ramachandran1 , P. Vincent1 , S. Prabhu1 , S. Sridharan1
  • 1Department of Pediatric Surgery, Kanchi Kamakoti Child's Trust Hospital, Nungambakkam, Chennai
Further Information

Publication History

Received: May 1, 2006

Accepted after Revision: May 13, 2006

Publication Date:
08 January 2007 (online)

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Abstract

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.

References

Dr. Priya Ramachandran

Kanchi Kamakoti Childs Trust Hospital

12-A, Nageswara Road

Nungambakkam

Chennai - 600 034

Email: kkcthsurgeon@yahoo.co.in