- Clinical context (Peak 6–36 months; colicky pain, currant jelly stool, sausage-shaped mass — ultrasound target/doughnut sign)
First-line therapy
Supportive care ± air/contrast enema • —
Duration: Single procedure + observation · Successful enema reduction — observe 12–24 h; antibiotics not routine if no perforation
Surgical reduction • —
Duration: Emergency if enema fails · Perforation, peritonitis, lead point, or unstable patient — laparoscopy/open reduction
Clinical notes
- • IV fluids and NG if vomiting; surgical backup for failed or complicated enema.
- • Lead point (Meckel, polyp, lymphoma) more common after 5 years — lower threshold for surgery.
- • APSA — Intussusception clinical pathway (2024)
