Childhood intussusceptions at a tertiary care hospital in northwestern Tanzania: a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge in resource-limited setting

Abstract

Background: Intussusception remains a common cause of bowel obstruction in children and results in significant morbidity and mortality if not promptly treated. There is a paucity of prospective studies regarding childhood intussusception in Tanzania and particularly the study area. This study describes the pattern, clinical presentations and management outcomes of childhood intussusception in our setting and highlights the challenging problems in the management of this disease. Methods: This was a prospective descriptive study of patients aged < 10 years operated for intussusception at Bugando Medical Centre. Ethical approval to conduct the study was obtained from relevant authorities. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 17.0.

The spectrum of paediatric intestinal obstruction in Kenya

“…Similar to other studies from developing countries, most of the cases of intussusception in this series were managed surgically [1, 2, 5, 8–12]. The predominant operative management is due to delayed patient presentation with concern for gangrenous bowel, predominant clinical diagnosis, with a significant proportion of cases being confirmed at laparotomy and lack of around-the-clock radiologic facilities and personnel to perform nonsurgical reduction [2, 11, 12]. This argument is underscored in this series where the median durationof presentation was 3 days, with gangrenous bowel noted in 62.1% of the cases.…”

Intestinal Resection in Children: Our Experience in Enugu, Nigeria

“…However, Ameh reported a longer duration of hospital stay in his patients. In their study of childhood intussusception, Chalya et al reported that the length of hospital stay was longer in children who had intestinal resection when compared with those who had no resection [11] . In the current study, intussusception was the most common indication for intestinal resection.…”

A Retrospective Study of Intussusception in Children

“…Red current Jelly stool was present in 53% patients. However, palpable lump and rigidity/guarding were present only in 10% and 08% patients [8] .…”

“…In study conducted by Chalya and Kaynge et. al., Ileo colic intussusception was common, present in almost 67.9% patients, followed by colo colic present in 25% patients [8] . In study conducted by Hazra and Karki et.…”

“…In a study done by P L Chalya, N M Kayange, A B Chandika abdominal pain was present in only 14.3% [8] . Abdominal distention and fever were present in 85.7% and 14.3% patients respectively.…”