Post-reduction observation and recurrence of pediatric intussusception in New Zealand: A national multicenter retrospective study

Background

Intussusception is the most common cause of preschool intestinal obstruction. International data suggest that following uncomplicated enema reduction, 4-hour observation with prompt return to oral diet is safe. We aimed to investigate the rate and timing of intussusception recurrence across Aotearoa New Zealand, compared to the cost of routine post-reduction observation.

Methods

We performed a national 15-year retrospective, multicenter cohort study of all children treated for intussusception between 01 Jan 2007 and 01 Jan 2022 across AoNZ. A robust clinical dataset was collected using a REDCap proforma. We also investigated the financial and time costs of current in-hospital observation practices.

Results

During this period, primary enema reduction without general anesthetic was successful in 339 cases, requiring a median of 2 attempts (1–8). The median age was 0.8 years; 70.8% were male, and 17.1% were Māori. The median length of hospital stay was 25.9 h, primarily comprised of post-reduction observation (21.6 h). Intussusception recurrence within 30 days occurred in 29 children (8.5%) at a median time of 24.7 h post-reduction. Of the 19 cases recurring before discharge, 12 (3.5%) recurred between 4 and 24 h. The median observation period for those with successful primary enema reduction was 21.6 h; if reduced to 4 h, savings of NZD 883,632 (USD 529,825) and 7342 ward hours were possible.

Conclusions

Nationally, the intussusception recurrence rate after uncomplicated enema reduction was 8.5%, but only 3.5% occurred between the 4–24 hour period post-reduction. Expediting discharge by avoiding routine overnight observation appears safe and economically viable.