Risk Factors Associated with the Need for Operative Treatment of Intussusception in Children

The aim of this study was to identify the risk factor related to the need for operative treatment and avoid unnecessary non-operative management for intussusception in children. We retrospectively reviewed medical records of patient treated for intussusception at our institution between January 2006 and January 2013. Clinical features such as gender, age, seasonal variation, symptoms and signs, treatment results were analyzed. Univariate and multivariate analyses including a chi-square test for categorical variables and logistic regression analysis were performed. During the study period, 356 patients were treated for intussusception. 328 (92.1%) was treated successfully by the non-operative pneumoreduction, and 28 (7.9%) required operative management. On univariate analysis, risk factors which were related to the need for operative treatment were age, vomiting, bloody stool, lethargy, and symptoms duration. A logistic regression analysis in order to assess for independent predictors of operative treatment was performed. Age (＜6 vs ≥12 months) (OR 4.713, 95% CI 1.198∼18.539, p=0.027) and symptoms duration longer than 48 hours (OR 4.534, 95% CI 1.846∼11.137, p=0.001) were significantly associated with a requirement for operative treatment. We conclude that younger age and a longer duration of symptoms (≥ 48 hours) are the independent risk factor related to the need for operative treatment for intussusception. Early surgical intervention or transfer to a hospital with pediatric surgical capabilities should be considered for patients with these findings.