[Medical-surgical experience of intestinal intussusception. Experience of a university institution].
BACKGROUND: Management of intestinal intussusception in children has evolved from exclusively surgical treatments to nonoperative reduction under fluoroscopic monitoring. AIM: To report a 10 year experience in a University Hospital in the management of intestinal intussusception. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Seventy two patients, aged 2 to 72 months of age, with an uncomplicated intussusception, that were treated by barium or air enema, were studied. RESULTS: The success rate was 73% with barium reductions, and 100% with air reductions. In 17 patients (24%), enema reduction was unsuccessful and were subjected to a surgical reduction. CONCLUSIONS: Nonsurgical reduction is safe and effective as the initial treatment of uncomplicated intussusception in children.