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Research Paper | Surgery | Volume 15 Issue 5, May 2026 | Pages: 1406 - 1411 | India
Pneumatic Reduction of Intussusception in Pediatric Population: A Descriptive Observational Study
Abstract: Background: Intussusception is the most common cause of intestinal obstruction in infants and young children. Delayed diagnosis and treatment may result in bowel ischemia, perforation, sepsis, and mortality. Over recent decades, pneumatic reduction has become the preferred first-line non-operative treatment modality in hemodynamically stable children because of its high success rate and minimally invasive nature. Aim: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of pneumatic reduction in pediatric intussusception and to analyze clinical characteristics, management patterns, complications, and outcomes in a regional healthcare setting. Methods: This retrospective observational descriptive study was conducted across multiple private hospitals in Sambhaji Nagar, Maharashtra, India, from May 2020 to December 2025. A total of 107 children aged 0?15 years with ultrasonographically confirmed intussusception were included. Hemodynamically stable patients without gross abdominal distension underwent pneumatic reduction under fluoroscopic guidance using controlled air insufflation with intraluminal pressure maintained below 120 mmHg. Data regarding demographic profile, type of intussusception, management modality, treatment outcome, complications, and mortality were analyzed using descriptive statistical methods. Results: Among 107 children, 62 (57.9%) were males and 45 (42.1%) were females, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.37:1. Ileo-colic intussusception was the most common type, observed in 95 cases (88.8%). Pneumatic reduction was attempted in 80 children and achieved successful radiological reduction in 78 cases, corresponding to a success rate of 97.5% (95% confidence interval: 91.3%?99.7%). Two patients (2.5%) developed bowel perforation requiring surgical intervention. Conservative management was sufficient in 15 cases (14.0%), while surgery was required in 10 patients (9.3%). No mortality was recorded. Conclusion: Pneumatic reduction demonstrated favorable outcomes as a minimally invasive first-line treatment modality in selected hemodynamically stable pediatric patients with intussusception. Early diagnosis, appropriate patient selection, and adherence to standardized pressure-controlled techniques significantly reduce the need for surgery and improve clinical outcomes.
Keywords: Intussusception, Pneumatic reduction, Pediatric intestinal obstruction, Ileo-colic intussusception, Non-operative management
How to Cite?: Dr. Arjun Pawar, Dr. Vidyanand Deshpande, Dr. Urvee Parekh, Dr. Anish Adak, "Pneumatic Reduction of Intussusception in Pediatric Population: A Descriptive Observational Study", Volume 15 Issue 5, May 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 1406-1411, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR26519203314, DOI: https://dx.dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR26519203314