Pediatric Intussusception: A Single-Center Experience

INTRODUCTION: Intussusception is one of the most common causes of acute abdominal pain in childhood, and early diagnosis with appropriate treatment can reduce the need for surgery. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical, laboratory, radiological, and treatment characteristics of pediatric intussusception cases followed at a single center and to identify factors associated with surgical intervention. METHODS: This retrospective study included 385 pediatric patients diagnosed with intussusception at 'XXX University' between January 1, 2015, and December 30, 2024. Demographic data, presenting symptoms, laboratory findings, radiological diagnostic methods, treatment approaches, and clinical outcomes were obtained from medical records. Statistical analyses were performed using non-parametric tests, and p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The median age was 26 months, and 60% of the patients were male; 83% were under five years of age. The most common symptoms were abdominal pain (100%), vomiting (86.2%), and bloody stools (28.8%). Diagnosis was established by ultrasonography in 97.4% of cases. Hydrostatic reduction was performed in 79% of patients, enema in 4.9%, and surgery in 15.4%. Patients undergoing surgery had lower age and body weight, lower hemoglobin levels, and higher leukocyte and platelet counts (p<0.05). The median intussusception length was significantly greater in the surgical group (10 cm; p<0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified intussusception length as the only variable significantly associated with surgical intervention. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Ultrasonographically measured intussusception length is a strong and independent predictor of surgical intervention. Early diagnosis and appropriate non-operative management are crucial for reducing surgical need.