Intussusception in childhood: a citywide study.

A city-wide study of intussusception in childhood is reported. The classic signs and symptoms (vomiting, abdominal pain, bloody stools, palpable abdominal mass) are reported in percentages approximating those previously reported by other authors. Intussusception in childhood occurred about once in every 13,000 admissions to general hospitals. Of 26 cases, 3 had surgery without barium enema. In 11 of 23 patients who had roentgenographic examination the intussusception was reduced by enemas (48%). In one patient the lesion recurred after 24 hours. No deaths were encountered in this small series. Provided certain precautions are followed, barium enema is a safe procedure which will save about one-half of the patients a surgical procedure and unnecessary prolonged hospitalization.