Case-Based Journal Review- Intussusception in 2022
Point-of-care ultrasound for intussusception diagnosis achieved 95% sensitivity and 99% specificity in a 2019 American Journal of Emergency Medicine study.
Host summaryRod Gerardo summarizing a resource — not the host's own clinical position2:12 ↗
High-volume centers where non-radiologists (surgeons or ED physicians) perform frequent ultrasounds can achieve good diagnostic results for intussusception.
opinionTodd Ponsky2:52 ↗
It would be irresponsible for institutions to adopt POCUS for intussusception based solely on this study without adequate training and volume.
opinionTodd Ponsky3:50 ↗
Ultrasound-guided hydrostatic reduction had 95.8% success rate versus 93.1% for fluoroscopy-guided air reduction in a 2021 World Journal of Emergency Surgery study from China.
Host summaryRod Gerardo summarizing a resource — not the host's own clinical position5:08 ↗
The 2% difference in success rates between hydrostatic and air reduction is not clinically significant enough to justify changing established practice.
Host summaryEllen Encisco summarizing a resource — not the host's own clinical position6:04 ↗
The hydrostatic versus air reduction study validates an alternative reduction method showing at least equivalent results.
opinionTodd Ponsky6:04 ↗
Obstructive bowel gas pattern on radiograph is associated with decreased air enema success and increased need for surgical bowel resection in a 2020 Pediatric Radiology study.
Host summaryRod Gerardo summarizing a resource — not the host's own clinical position7:20 ↗
A 2018 Journal of Pediatric Surgery prediction model using clinical and sonographic data (free fluid, extension beyond splenic flexure, altered Doppler) identified 80% of failed saline enema reductions before the procedure.
Host summaryRod Gerardo summarizing a resource — not the host's own clinical position8:29 ↗
Sedation for pneumatic reduction showed slightly better success rate but higher recurrence rate (5.1% vs 1.3%, non-significant) and more perforations (3 vs 0, non-significant) in a 2017 Pediatric Anesthesia study.
Host summaryEllen Encisco summarizing a resource — not the host's own clinical position9:54 ↗
S-ketamine sedation versus morphine analgesia showed non-significant differences in success rate (90% vs 70%) and recurrence (10% vs 15%) with no perforations in either group.
Host summaryRod Gerardo summarizing a resource — not the host's own clinical position10:59 ↗
If sedation shows no increased perforation risk compared to no sedation, then sedating children for comfort during reduction is justified.
Host summaryEllen Encisco summarizing a resource — not the host's own clinical position11:47 ↗
A 2019 JPS systematic review and meta-analysis of 10 studies found no significant difference in ED returns, recurrence, need for operation, or mortality between inpatient and outpatient management after successful air enema reduction.
Host summaryRod Gerardo summarizing a resource — not the host's own clinical position12:48 ↗
COVID-era hospital bed and staff scarcity is forcing reconsideration of routine admission practices, and intussusception is an example where evidence supports not admitting by default.
opinionTodd Ponsky13:46 ↗
A 2020 Journal of Pediatric Surgery database study of 8,289 patients found 3.7% readmission and recurrence rate after intussusception reduction.
Host summaryRod Gerardo summarizing a resource — not the host's own clinical position14:55 ↗
A 2020 Pediatric Emergency Care study of 200 cases found 13.5% overall recurrence rate with 7.3% recurring within 48 hours, with fever and female sex as risk factors for early recurrence.
Host summaryTodd Ponsky summarizing a resource — not the host's own clinical position15:31 ↗
Both recent studies show lower recurrence rates (3.7-13.5%) than the traditionally quoted 15-20% that surgeons have been telling families.
Host summaryEllen Encisco summarizing a resource — not the host's own clinical position16:17 ↗
Increasing tolerance for recurrence risk benefits the vast majority of children by avoiding unnecessary admission and its associated complications.
Host summaryEllen Encisco summarizing a resource — not the host's own clinical position16:59 ↗
In resource-limited settings without 24-hour radiology, unnecessary laparotomies are sometimes performed for intussusception diagnosis in the middle of the night.
Host summaryEllen Encisco summarizing a resource — not the host's own clinical position3:14 ↗
Standard practice in many US institutions is to admit intussusception patients overnight and discharge the next morning, not keep them for 48 hours.
clinicalTodd Ponsky16:50 ↗
Repeat Enema for Intussusception: Update Course 2016
Five studies examined repeat enema for intussusception, with four showing over 50% success rates
Host summaryThe host summarizing the discussion — not the host's own clinical position1:01 ↗
The mean success rate for repeat enema across studies is estimated at 60-70%
Host summaryThe host summarizing the discussion — not the host's own clinical position1:50 ↗
Repeat enema should be performed if the initial attempt made any progress and the patient is stable
Host summaryThe host summarizing the discussion — not the host's own clinical position2:05 ↗
More than likely the intussusception will be reduced on the second attempt if progress was made initially
Host summaryThe host summarizing the discussion — not the host's own clinical position2:25 ↗
Tony Sandler's Toronto Sick Kids study used a 2-4 hour interval between enemas
Host summaryThe host summarizing the discussion — not the host's own clinical position2:05 ↗
More recent studies used 6-12 hour intervals between enemas, typically waiting until morning
Host summaryThe host summarizing the discussion — not the host's own clinical position2:20 ↗
There was not a higher rate of operative resection if repeat enema was delayed and the patient ultimately required surgery
clinicalDavid2:35 ↗
The mean time interval between first and second enema in David's study was approximately 6 hours
Host summaryThe host summarizing the discussion — not the host's own clinical position3:00 ↗
Radiologists may be reluctant to attempt repeat enema after pushing 120 centimeters pressure on initial attempt
opinionAvi0:48 ↗
Success of repeat enema is radiology and system dependent
opinionAvi0:48 ↗
Journal of Pediatric Surgery Article Review: The Disruption Score
The disruption score is a bibliometric tool used to characterize pediatric surgery publications.
Host summaryMark Davenport summarizing the discussion — not the host's own clinical position1:59 ↗