Postoperative intussusceptions in children and infants: a systematic review

Postoperative intussusception following surgical repair of third-grade spleen rupture in a child: A unique case report

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE

Postoperative intussusception (POI) is a remarkably rare complication that may follow different types of operations. POI is responsible for 5-10 % of postoperative bowel obstruction. The main challenge in diagnosing this condition due to its nonspecific symptoms, which mimic post-op ileus.

CASE PRESENTATION

An 8-year-old Syrian female was presented to the emergency department with multiple traumas. Laboratory tests were normal except for leukocytosis. Abdominal and pelvic ultrasound revealed a moderate amount of free fluid in Morison's pouch and splenorenal recess. Investigative laparotomy revealed third-degree splenic rupture, leading to splenorrhaphy. After a week, she suffered from sudden nausea and bilious vomiting. The patient's condition deteriorated, so a second investigative laparotomy was performed and revealed the presence of jejune-jejunal intussusception (1 m distally from the ligament of Treitz) without any predisposing lead point. The intussusception was manually solved, the patient was discharged after five days. She has been seen in follow-up with complete recovery.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION

POI is one of the rare complications that may happen after various surgeries especially abdominal operations. POI is associated with some specific surgeries. The most prominent symptoms of POI are restlessness, bilious vomiting, abdominal distension, and abdominal pain, consequently, they are less specific.

CONCLUSION

POI is a rare complication after surgery but it should be considered in case of the presence of bowel obstruction symptoms in the first two weeks after operation. Our case highlights this unexpected complication emphasizes the need for further studies to demonstrate the mechanism of postoperative intussusception.

Early and late outcomes of congenital biliary dilatation in pediatric patients

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to reveal the early and late postoperative complications and outcomes after surgery for congenital biliary dilatation (CBD) by reviewing cases over the past 40 years.

METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated 59 patients with CBD who underwent radical surgery for complications and outcomes, based on medical records. Early complications were defined as those requiring treatment within 5 years of the initial operation. Late complications were defined as those treated more than 5 years later.

RESULTS

The median age at the first surgery was 37 months. Regarding biliary reconstruction, 54 of the 59 patients (91.5%) underwent hepaticojejunostomy. Although three patients underwent cholecystoduodenostomy and one patient underwent hepaticoduodenostomy, all were converted to hepaticojejunostomy after a median of 12.5 years. One patient developed synchronous biliary carcinoma and underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy. Early complications occurred in seven patients with 10 events (surgical site infection, n = 3 bile leakage, n = 3; ileus, n = 3; bile duct obstruction, n = 1 and intussusception, n = 1). Late complications occurred in nine patients with 12 events (ileus, n = 3; anastomotic stricture, n = 3; hepatolithiasis, n = 3; asynchronous biliary carcinoma, n = 2; pancreatolithiasis, n = 1). Two of the three patients with hepatolithiasis underwent hepatectomy refractory to the endoscopic approach. Two patients developed asynchronous biliary carcinoma at 34 and 13 years after last operation; both ultimately died of the carcinoma. Only 35 patients (61.4%) underwent a follow-up examination. A total of 11 female patients (45.8%) eventually married, and all successfully gave birth.

CONCLUSION

Although the long-term prognosis is excellent with complete cyst excision and hepaticojejunostomy, we emphasize the importance of long-term follow-up.

The Management of Intussusception: A Systematic Review

Intussusception (ISN) is a dangerous condition where a portion of the intestine slides into an adjacent area of the intestine. This telescoping motion frequently prevents liquids or food from flowing through. Developing management guidelines for ileocolic (IC) intussusception was the aim of this systematic study. Data sources were PubMed/Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE), Scopus, and Embase databases. Our review investigated English-language articles (from 2010 to 2023) according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Overall, there were 15 articles. Surveys and analyses of national databases were the most widely used methods (n=15). The search identified 561 studies; 15 were eligible for inclusion in the analysis. Further understanding of the management of intussusception may help improve evaluation and management in the future. The use of preventive antibiotics does not reduce problems following radiologic reduction. When clinically appropriate, repeated attempts at enema reduction may be made. After the enema reduction of ileocolic intussusception, patients can be safely watched in the emergency room (ER), thereby avoiding hospitalization. Success rates for laparoscopic reduction are high. When it comes to intussusception in children who are hemodynamically stable and do not have a serious illness, there is no need for pre-reduction antibiotics. Prioritizing nonoperative outpatient (OP) therapy is recommended as the primary approach, with the utilization of minimally invasive procedures to avoid the necessity for laparotomy. The management of colonic intussusception involves complete removal in one piece, while enteric intussusception can be addressed through reduction followed by resection. A targeted approach is recommended, recognizing the intermediate forms of intussusception that may exist between the colonic and enteric types. It is essential to note that the prevailing treatment for adult intussusception remains to be surgical intervention.

An intussusception caused by a rare transverse colon lipoma: Case report

INTRODUCTION

Intestinal lipoma is a rare benign tumor with a reported incidence of 0.2 % to 4.4 %. It is seen mainly in patients aged 50 to 70 years. Intestinal lipoma as a pathological lead point of intussusception is rare. There are few reports of colic lipoma in children.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

We reported a 7-year-old girl with a 4-year history of intermittent abdominal pain. Ultrasound examination showed a homogeneous hyperechoic mass near the distal transverse colon, which was similar to the surrounding lipid tissue. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of intestinal lipoma.

DISCUSSION

Colonic lipoma is very rare in children. If intussusception occurs repeatedly, or if it occurs in older children, we should consider the presence of pathological lead point. Early diagnosis and immediate surgical intervention are the key factors to a successful outcome.

CONCLUSION

In this case we report a pediatric case of intussusception secondary to colonic lipoma, and describe imaging and pathologic signs suggestive of intestinal lipoma.

Epidemiology, clinical characteristics, and treatment of children with acute intussusception: a case series

BACKGROUND

To summarize the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of acute intussusception.

METHODS

This retrospective study included pediatric patients with acute intussusception admitted to the Department of Pediatric Surgery, Qilu Hospital (Qingdao), Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, from January 2014 to December 2019.

RESULTS

A total of 402 infants/children were included (301 males and 101 females) with a mean age of 2.4 ± 1.5 years (2 months to 9 years). Thirty patients (7.5%) had a history of cold food intake, diarrhea, and upper respiratory infection before disease onset. Paroxysmal abdominal pain and crying occurred in 338 patients (84.1%). Eight patients (2.0%) had the typical triad, 167 (41.5%) had vomiting, 24 (6.0%) had bloody stools, and 273 (67.9%) had palpable abdominal mass. The average intussusception depth was 4.0 ± 1.4 cm. Air enema reduction was performed in 344 cases: 335 (97.3%) were successful. Fifty-eight patients were treated with intravenous phloroglucinol (2 mg/kg), and 53 (91.4%) were successful. Sixty-five patients suffered relapses, with a relapse rate of 16.8%.

CONCLUSIONS

Pediatric acute intussusception is common. There was no obvious etiology. The clinical manifestations are mostly atypical. Abdominal pain is the most common complaint. Air enema reduction is an effective treatment. The recurrence rate is high.

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound of the kidneys and adrenals in children

Pediatric applications of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) are growing. Evaluation of the kidneys and adrenal glands in children using intravenous administration of US contrast agents, however, is still an off-label indication. Pediatric CEUS applications for kidneys are similar to those in adults, including ischemic disorders, pseudo- versus real tumors, indeterminate lesions, complex cystic lesions, complicated pyelonephritis, and abscesses. CEUS applications for evaluation of adrenal glands in children are limited, mainly focusing on the assessment and follow-up of adrenal trauma and the differentiation between an adrenal hemorrhage and a mass. This review addresses the current experience in pediatric CEUS of the kidneys and adrenal glands. By extrapolating the established knowledge for US contrast evaluations in the adult kidney to the pediatric context we can note opportunities for CEUS clinical use in children.

The radiological characteristics of childhood intussusception including unusual features and rare pathological lead points

PURPOSE

To describe the radiological characteristics for childhood intussusceptions including unusual radiological features and rare pathological lead points (PLP).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The medical records of all childhood intussusceptions between 1/1/2010 -1/10/2020 were retrospectively reviewed. 95 cases were identified in 82 patients. The demographic data, presenting symptoms, diagnostic and treatment methods, radiological features, and PLPs among the different types of intussusception were analyzed.

RESULTS

Ileocolic intussusception (ICI) represented 53.7% (51/95). The average age for ICI was 1.87 years. Males constituted 72.1% (31/43). 29.4% (15/51) were treated primarily surgically due to peritonitis. Small bowel intussusception (SBI) represented 40% (38/95) in which females constituted 51.5% (17/33). Ileo-ileal represented 63.2% (24/38). 81.8% (27/33) were transient. On ultrasound; There was a statistically significant difference in the size of the outer diameter of ICI compared to SBI (P-value 0.00012). Ileo-ileocolic and colo-colic intussusceptions constituted 3.2% (3/95); each and were more common in females. Vomiting was the most common symptom for intussusception and ultrasound was diagnostic in the majority of cases. PLPs were seen in 36.6% (30/82) of the patients of which the average age was 7 years. PLPs/risk factors were benign in 80% (24/30). A case of colo-colic intussusception was seen in a 16-year-old female due to clear cell sarcoma which was not reported before. 12.2% patients (10/82) had recurrent intussusception.

CONCLUSION

Our study showed that ICI is the most commonly encountered type. SBIs are mostly transient. It is important to radiologically determine the type of intussusception and to identify PLPs or unusual radiological features to avoid unnecessary intervention and significant patient morbidity.

Intussusception in the Neonate: A Case Study

Intussusception is the most common cause of intestinal obstruction in infants and toddlers; however, it is a rare entity in neonates. During intussusception, a proximal portion of the bowel pushes inside the adjacent, distal segment of the bowel in a telescoping fashion leading to obstruction, strangulation of the mesentery, ischemia, and necrosis. The etiology of intussusception is often unknown and there are currently no preventive techniques. Intussusception often mimics other common disease processes affecting neonates; this can result in detrimental delays in diagnosis and treatment. Intussusception is considered a surgical emergency and a delay in treatment results in significant morbidity and mortality. With proper education on this rare complication, neonatal nurses play a vital role in early diagnosis. To improve the care of neonates affected, it is imperative that intussusception remain a differential diagnosis for clinicians.

Postoperative intestinal intussusception in children, an easily missed culprit of postoperative intestinal obstruction: Case series and literature review

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Most of our patients presented in the first two weeks after the primary operation and managed successfully with operative manual reduction with no postoperative complications.

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Postoperative intestinal intussusception secondary to surgical reduction of ileocolic intussusception is an exceedingly rare cause of postoperative intestinal obstruction.

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Usually, postoperative intestinal intussusception is misdiagnosed as postoperative adhesive obstruction.

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Postoperative intestinal intussusception is challenging in diagnosis and needs a very high index of suspicion.

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By keeping the possibility of POI in mind, one can easily diagnose it and prevent its consequences.

Background

Postoperative intestinal intussusception (POI) is a rare cause of intestinal obstruction with POI after surgical reduction of ileocolic intussusception being an extremely rare variant. POI was reported to follow many abdominal and non-abdominal operations. A late diagnosis can risk ischemia and necrosis. POI also increases the morbidity and mortality, rendering an early diagnosis and prompt management as lifesaving.

Methods

We reviewed the medical charts retrospectively for the last ten years for patients with POI at Palestine Red Crescent Society Hospital, Hebron, Palestine. We reviewed the literature and presented the characteristics of the most reported cases of POI following surgical reduction of ileocolic intussusception.

Results

We presented three cases of ileoileal POI and one case of ileocolic POI followed different primary operations. All but one patient presented in the first two weeks. The delayed presentation came two months after revision of a prolapsed colostomy. All patients managed successfully with operative manual reduction with no postoperative complications. Initially, we had struggles in the diagnosis of POI largely due to a low suspicion for this rare entity, but thereafter we kept POI in mind and managed the after-coming cases in an expeditious manner.

Conclusion

Frequently, POI is misdiagnosed as postoperative adhesive obstruction. POI is challenging in diagnosis and needs a very high index of suspicion, mainly due to its rarity and atypical presentation. By keeping the possibility of POI in mind, one can easily diagnose it and prevent its consequences.

Use of ultrasound in diagnosing postoperative small-bowel intussusception in pediatric surgical oncology patients: a single-center retrospective review

BACKGROUND

Postoperative intussusception can be a complication of abdominal surgery and often poses a diagnostic dilemma.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the utility of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of intussusception in children who had recently undergone resection of a primary solid tumor.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed a retrospective review of all pediatric surgical oncology patients undergoing laparotomy for excision of an abdominal tumor at our institution from 1995 to 2015. We reviewed those with documented postoperative intussusception. In addition we searched the radiology database for all ultrasound examinations requested to rule out postoperative intussusception during our study interval. We analyzed demographics, primary diagnosis, surgical procedure, presentation, diagnostic investigations and definitive treatment.

RESULTS

At our institution 852 laparotomies for abdominal tumor resection were performed during the study period, resulting in 10 postoperative intussusceptions (1.2% of cases), of which half were following neuroblastoma resection and the other half following nephrectomy for Wilms tumor. Postoperative intussusception was suspected if the patient had increasing nasogastric output, abdominal distension or feeding intolerance. Ultrasound was used to diagnose intussusception in 9/10 cases, on postoperative day 6 (standard deviation [SD] 5.6 days) on average, with a sensitivity of 89% (8/9; one false negative; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.52, 1.00) and a specificity of 100% (no false positives; 95% CI 0.96, 1.00).

CONCLUSION

Ultrasound was highly accurate in diagnosing postoperative intussusception in children who underwent resection of retroperitoneal tumors.

A systematic review of the quality of conduct and reporting of systematic reviews and meta-analyses in paediatric surgery

OBJECTIVE

Our objective was to evaluate quality of conduct and reporting of published systematic reviews and meta-analyses in paediatric surgery. We also aimed to identify characteristics predictive of review quality.

BACKGROUND

Systematic reviews summarise evidence by combining sources, but are potentially prone to bias. To counter this, the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) was published to aid in reporting. Similarly, the Assessing the Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR) measurement tool was designed to appraise methodology. The paediatric surgical literature has seen an increasing number of reviews over the past decade, but quality has not been evaluated.

METHODS

Adhering to PRISMA guidelines, we performed a systematic review with a priori design to identify systematic reviews and meta-analyses of interventions in paediatric surgery. From 01/2010 to 06/2016, we searched: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, Web of Science, Google Scholar, reference lists and journals. Two reviewers independently selected studies and extracted data. We assessed conduct and reporting using AMSTAR and PRISMA. Scores were calculated as the sum of reported items. We also extracted author, journal and article characteristics, and used them in exploratory analysis to determine which variables predict quality.

RESULTS

112 articles fulfilled eligibility criteria (53 systematic reviews; 59 meta-analyses). Overall, 68% AMSTAR and 56.8% PRISMA items were reported adequately. Poorest scores were identified with regards a priori design, inclusion of structured summaries, including the grey literature, citing excluded articles and evaluating bias. 13 reviews were pre-registered and 6 in PRISMA-endorsing journals. The following predicted quality in univariate analysis:, word count, Cochrane review, journal h-index, impact factor, journal endorses PRISMA, PRISMA adherence suggested in author guidance, article mentions PRISMA, review includes comparison of interventions and review registration. The latter three variables were significant in multivariate regression.

CONCLUSIONS

There are gaps in the conduct and reporting of systematic reviews in paediatric surgery. More endorsement by journals of the PRISMA guideline may improve review quality, and the dissemination of reliable evidence to paediatric clinicians.

Reoperation After Cyst Excision with Hepaticojejunostomy for Choledochal Cysts: Our Experience in 18 Cases

Background

Complete cyst excision with biliary reconstruction is the treatment of choice for choledochal cyst (CC). The aim of this article is to review our experience in patients who underwent reoperation between January 1995 and December 2014.

Material/Methods

The records of 18 patients (female/male, 15/3) were retrospectively analyzed including age, sex, cyst type, initial procedure, lab and imaging findings, indications for reoperation, intraoperative findings, and results of reoperation. The median follow-up period was 6 years.

Results

The rate of reoperation in this study was about 6.8%. Eighteen patients (7 type Ia, 2Ic, 9 IV-A) developed severe postoperative complications and required surgical intervention. The median time interval from primary surgery to reoperation was 19.5 months (range, 3 days to 8 years). Two early complications required surgery due to anastomotic bile leakage and intussusception. Sixteen late complications occurred, including 3 intrahepatic bile duct stenosis with calculi, 5 anastomotic strictures with/without stones, 4 intrapancreatic cyst remnants, 3 adhesive bowel obstructions, and 1 internal hernia. For patients with persistent dilatation of the intrahepatic bile duct or anastomotic stricture, removal of stones and revision of hepaticojejunostomy were performed, with additional hepatic ductoplasty when necessary. Radical excision of the dilated cystic remnant in the head of pancreas was performed in 4 patients, with 1 needing additional pancreaticojejunostomy procedure. No deaths occurred. Sixteen patients recovered uneventfully after reoperation, and 2 wound infections developed.

Conclusions

A wide hepaticojejunostomy with/without ductoplasty is essential to prevent cholangitis, anastomotic stricture, and calculi formation. Complete cyst excision, including the intrapancreatic portion, should be meticulously pursued.

Complications in the surgical management of children with malignant solid tumors

With improvement in the outcomes for children with cancer has come an increasing focus on minimizing the morbidity from therapeutic interventions, including surgical procedures, while continuing to have a high likelihood of cure. Thus, an appreciation for the potential complications of surgery, both acute and long term, is critical when considering the risks and benefits of any procedure performed on a child with cancer. Although not meant to be an exhaustive review, here we discuss the most common and significant surgical complications that may occur when performing diagnostic, therapeutic, or supportive procedures in children with the most common malignant solid tumors.

[Thoraco-abdomino-pelvic surgery for tumors in children: Postoperative sequelae]

Thoracic surgery for pediatric tumors may induce a large variety of sequelae that mainly concern skin, muscles and bones (ribs), thoracic nerve and spinal cord and respiratory system. Muscle-sparing thoracotomy, intrathoracic expanders inserted after right pneumonectomy, early orthopedic evaluation and follow-up are useful preventive proceedings able to decrease postoperative sequelae. Surgery for abdominal tumors in children is part of a sequence where each therapeutic treatment can induce its own sequelae possibly potentiated by other therapies. Scars and occlusions represent classic effects, others like diarrhea, intestinal ischemia may require specific and sometimes partially effective long-term treatment. The pelvic cavity is characterized by an anatomy dedicated to urinary and digestive continence and reproductive functions. The oncologic resection of tumors developed in this region exposed to significant risk of sequelae that may strongly affect the quality of life. The development of conservative approaches for local treatment and of fertility preservation techniques has significantly reduced this morbidity and must be known by the surgeon to optimize the therapeutic strategy.

Diseases mimicking intussusception: diagnostic dilemma

BACKGROUND

Intussusception is a common abdominal emergency in early childhood. The aim of this study was to describe the diseases mimicking intussusception and to discuss the causes and management of these conditions.

METHODS

Seven patients who were initially diagnosed as having intussusception on abdominal ultrasonography but who had a final diagnosis of diseases other than intussusception were reviewed retrospectively.

RESULTS

Two patients with ileocolic intussusception underwent ultrasonography-guided reduction with a hydrostatic method but the ultrasonographic findings persisted. At surgery, only edematous ileocecal valve and mesenteric lymphadenopathy were observed. In three patients with Henoch-Schönlein purpura, initial abdominal ultrasonography showed intussusception. The patients with no sign of obstructive symptoms were managed conservatively with a diagnosis of intramural hemorrhage and on follow up the ultrasonographic findings of intussusception was resolved. One patient with the target sign on computed tomography and ultrasonography of the abdomen underwent ileocolic resection and end-to-end anastomosis due to a tumor in the cecum. There was no evidence of intussusception. One patient with a cyst in the right lower quadrant accompanying intussusception on ultrasonography of the abdomen underwent ultrasonography-guided reduction but the ultrasonographic findings persisted. On exploration, only cecal duplication cyst without intussusception was detected. Cecal resection including the cyst and end-to-end ileocolic anastomosis were performed.

CONCLUSIONS

Ultrasonography, color Doppler ultrasonography, barium or hydrostatic enema and computed tomography are helpful in diagnosing intussusception, but patients with radiologic findings of intussusception should be evaluated on symptoms and clinical findings before surgical intervention. Also, other diseases mimicking intussusception should be kept in mind in the differential diagnosis.