Ultrasound-Guided Hydrostatic Reduction of Childhood Intussusceptions Using Water Enema

Conventional hydrostatic barium reduction or pneumatic reductionof intussusception is associated with considerableionizing radiation. the aim of this study was to evaluate ultrasound-guided hydrostatic reduction for childhood intussusceptionusing water enema. a total of 76 children whodiagnosed as having intussusception were referred to doctorsheikh children hospital in mashhad (northeast iran) duringa 4.5-year period from march 2002 to september 2006. hydrostaticreduction of intussusception was performed undersonographic guidance in 66 patients, whereas, 10 patientswere excluded due to clinical contraindications. the diseasewas observed mostly at the age of 5-9 months. in 53% ofpatients, there was a recent history of gastroenteritis orcommon cold. the most common site of intussusception wasthe transverse colon (49%) with the mean duration of22. i(plus-minus) 17.3 hours. the overal j rate of successful reductionwas 78.8% and the mean reduction time of 14.8(plus-minus)18.56 minute.the successful reduction rate would have been 94.5%, ifthe patients with gangrene were excluded. we conclude thatultrasound-guided hydrostatic reduction using water enemais an optimal, simple, and safe procedure for the treatment ofchildhood intussusception