Intussusception in patients presenting late: is hydrostatic reduction possible?

Background: Many patients with intussusceptions present late to the pediatric surgical department in developing countries. Several authors have described late presentation as a condition for failure of radiologic reduction. Methods: A retrospective review of data collected for all cases of intssusception was analysed with respect to clinical presentation, duration of symptoms and successful attempt at hydrostatic reduction. Results: 22 patients (35%) had reported late beyond 72 hours of being symptomatic. 19 of these patients were subjected to hydrostatic enema reduction which was successful in 17 patients(89%). Conclusion: Delayed presentation is not a predictor of irreducibility in cases of intussusception.