Multicenter analysis of time interval to intussusception reduction: Success and complication rates.

Creator(s)

• Naomi A. Strubel
• Katherine Barton
• Timothy M. Baran
• Derek Wakeman
• Apeksha Chaturvedi
• Eric Diaz
• Sujit Jha
• Susan D. John
• Shailee V. Lala
• Kristin A. Leland, Children's Mercy Kansas CityFollow
• Cicero T. Silva
• Richard D. Thomas
• Jennifer L. Williams
• Mitchell A. Chess

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

6-2026

Identifier

DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2026.163023

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Recent evidence shows that a 6-8 h interval between diagnosis and reduction of ileocolic intussusception does not negatively impact clinical outcomes. The goal of this study is to investigate the safe interval between diagnosis and non-operative reduction attempt for ileocolic intussusception.

METHODS: This multicenter, retrospective review assessed enema reduction success and patient complications in ileocolic intussusception without lead point in patients aged 0-4 years over an 8 year period (2014-2021) in nine tertiary care institutions with subspecialty pediatric services.

RESULTS: Analysis of 1412 incidences of ileocolic intussusception (mean [SD] age, 19.2 [13.8] months; 61.8 % male) was performed. Most reductions, 96.3 %, were attempted within 8 h of imaging diagnosis. Reduction success at different intervals from diagnosis was relatively uniform: % success at time from diagnosis [N]: < 8 h, 87.4 % [1359]; 8-12 h, 87.9 % [33]; >12 h, 90 % [20]. Success declined to 66.7 % > 24 h after diagnosis [3 cases]. Surgical reduction was performed in 12.7 % of cases [179]; of these, 27.9 % [50] were complicated, requiring bowel repair and/or resection. Rates of surgery (12.7 % < 8 h, 12.1 % 8-12 h, 10.0 % > 12 h, p = 0.94) and the rate of complicated intussusception (27.7 % < 8 h, 25 % 8-12 h, 50 % > 12 h [1 of 2 patients], p = 0.78) did not significantly increase with increasing time after diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS: Success rate of enema reduction of ileocolic intussusception is maintained out to 8 h from diagnosis, without increased complications. These findings support the cautious modification of the standard of care for ileocolic intussusception in appropriately selected patients.

Journal Title

Journal of pediatric surgery

Volume

61

Issue

6

First Page

163023

Last Page

163023

PubMed ID

41708013

Keywords

Ileocolic intussusception; Intussusception reduction; Pediatrics; Radiology

Recommended Citation

Strubel NA, Barton K, Baran TM, et al. Multicenter analysis of time interval to intussusception reduction: Success and complication rates. Journal of Pediatric Surgery. 2026;61(6):163023. doi:10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2026.163023