The obstructed intussusception in childhood.

In intussusception in early childhood, reduction by barium enema is the treatment of choice. In late cases when there is air and fluid distension of the small bowel on plain x-ray, barium enema is less useful. Generally 20-25% of childhood intussusception presents in this way. We have reviewed the experience of 65 intussusceptions at the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children over the past 5 years and found only one successful barium enema reduction in 22 obstructed intussusceptions.