Laparoscopic treatment of intussusception

INTRODUCTION: The success of laparoscopic approach in children has encouraged the application of this technique in young (<2 years) children with non-complicated intussusception. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A retrospective analysis of our database provided a total of 4 patients who underwent laparoscopic reduction of intestinal intussusception between 8/2008 and 4/2013. A comprehensive review of each case was done including the video description of the laparoscopic technique of one of them. RESULTS: Four patients (2 boys) were treated by laparoscopy for intestinal intussusception. Mean age was 9 months (5–20 months). Delay time between initial symptoms and diagnosis and between diagnosis and surgery were 3.5 days and 6 h respectively. Mean operative time was 35 min. There were no conversions. There were no complications. Patients were discharged after 2.5 days (2–4 days). We herein report (video) the laparoscopic approach in a 5 month male child who suffered from a ileocecal intussusception. A 10 mm trocar was placed in the left lower quadrant and two 5 mm trocars were placed in the upper left quadrant and suprapubic just to the right midline. The cause of the intussusception was identified and the bowel was reduced. A concomitant appendectomy was performed. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic reduction of intussusception appears to be a safe procedure, in young children with uncomplicated intussusception.